Opinion: Will M23 reach Goma like in 2012?

This is a gut feeling and it’s not a good one. We have been here before and it’s tragic that things becomes like this. That the more things changes, the more they stay the same. Alas, the FARDC and its allies are supposed to be able to compete. The seemingly clear picture is that the M23 are advancing and seemingly getting closer to Goma.

That’s where the objective and goal is. To take Goma and occupy it like it did on the 20th November 2012. It would be an achievement to do it again. Especially, considering the East African brigades and the MONUSCO. Also, the FARDC and other militias who is partaking and participating on the battlefield to destroy M23.

Alas, I am just seeing the picture, as the stories and the movement is moving along. It is just days away or maybe max a few weeks. It depends on the manpower of the FARDC and the amount of guerrillas it gets behind the cause. At this very moment… it seems to be turning this way.

That the insurgency and the rebel army, the guerrilla with questionable ties to Kigali and Kampala is getting closer to a major city. It is getting to Goma and we should see it coming. The warfare and the bloody battles is saying so. The whole movement and the drive seems to be there. They are targeting to reach or be in the realm of where they were in 2012. We are seeing it and should be worried.

This is destroying the Province of Nord-Kivu. No denying in that. Villages and towns are being burned. M23 and the government troops are ensuring a total war. There is no positive news and only a bloodshed. A bloody war created out of hostilities and out of personal interests.

The M23 didn’t rise to the occasion out of nowhere and the backers wants currency in return. They want to eat and enjoy the spoils of war. That’s why they are there to begin with. It doesn’t matter the cost or the possible setbacks of doing so. No, it is the gems, the stones and whatever else the M23 can take. That is what is mattering and there will no difference now.

The Wazalendo, FDLR and whoever else who is on the side of FARDC. They have to be able to defend and stand their ground. Because M23 is brutally assaulting them and stopping them from defending themselves. They are hit and cannot move.

Just wait to they reach Sake and becomes really hostile. When they are there… they know where they are going and where it benefits them. That what the world should know and take a listen. This conflict costs lives. It is murder on a large scale and it barely makes headlines, if even bulletins. This is a silent conflict, but with blazing guns. The civilians and citizens are paying the price.

The M23 and it’s backers must be proud of what they have done so far. They are earning and have an ability to push the government forces back. That must be humbling but also very defeating. As there are no hope and only more bloodshed.

This conflict deserves recognition. However, it will only make the news like it did in 2012. The moment the convoys and brigades of M23 walks in the streets of Goma and sits down with locals to enjoy a water-hole. That’s what they done and they will proclaim a plan to invade Kinshasa. However, we know that will fizzle out and they will have enough just to settle with a cessation of hostilities agreement. So, that the parties can reconfigure each other and stop killing innocent civilians. Peace.

Opinion: Is Norbert Mao living under a rock?

Government has since established that there are those who want to cause political change in Uganda whose human rights activism is from the posturing of changing Government. If your motive is to change Government, I think you better off playing that game from a political party rather than a civil society organization” (…) “You are actually safer in a political party because if you form a political party, your intentions are clear to evict the incumbent government and replace it with yours other than disguising under human rights activism” (…) “It’s not my duty to come here and sanitise the human rights situation in Uganda. I’m disgusted by it myself. I want to tell you that there’s no more image to protect in terms of human rights. The government is stark naked; I can tell you frankly” – Norbert Mao (15.11.2023).

Mirror, mirror on the wall! Who is the brightest of them all?

Well, it isn’t Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao. That is for certain, because his reasoning is falling out of any common sense. It is like we are living on another planet and that there are certain stipulations, which are in place and where rule of law exists.

Because, just reading these sentences from the Honourable Minister is just beyond me. He knows better and his currently serving this government. The Minister knows what is going on and acting like this disingenuous. Mao is insincere and cannot be saved…

When you speak like this and says these things. It is like we haven’t seen it and doesn’t know how the state operates. He acts like were oblivious to the facts and to the modus operandi. That we don’t know about the “drones” and about the sudden “kidnappings” or even extra judicial killings done on orders from the “high above”. This just the day-to-day operation and how they have decided to play this one out.

Norbert Mao can act this nonchalant at the venue. He can speak like this, because he doesn’t have to fear. Right now his a Minister and an appointed dignitary. His entrusted with this office and accepted to serve the President. That’s why he can speak this way and think we are all fools. Which we apparently isn’t and he cannot grasp that.

Even if you do start a political party and have the vision of a new government. Certainly, that party and the leadership will meet the authorities. They will be kept under surveillance and be on the radar of the intelligence community. The security apparatus will be on guard and suddenly attack, silence or even get rid of activists associated with the party. Because, that is what we have seen and continues to see. So, it doesn’t matter if you join politics or not. As long as you dare to question, stand-out and speak out. You endanger your life, no matter where you affiliate or assemble with.

As a Minister in the Republic. He should know this and have some privy information about it. However, he acts like there are special stipulations or rules, which the state abides by. When we have seen, heard and gotten the whiff of how they operate. There is nothing hidden in the realm of darkness. The lights are already cast over the shadows and we know the murky acts of the state. They have been revealed and the Minister cannot spin that.

Mao wishes he could act surprised or unknowingly. While he tries to be defiant and act as an opposition while serving in the government. His words aren’t that clever and we can see it for what it is.

Norbert Mao tried to outsmart someone, but it isn’t working on everyone. We know what his saying isn’t true. If it was so… why are so many kidnapped, arrested, detained, extra judicially killed and such who happens to be associated or a part of one political party, aye?

Mao, can you tell me? I need to know why? Why are the ones associated with People Power and National Unity Platform a target of the state? Why? What reason for it? When there supposed to special laws or reasons to allow political parties to exist? Why?

Answer me that riddle. Because, it doesn’t add up and then I know it isn’t legit. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee’s bizarre take on the re-insurgency of M23 and the ADF…

It is true that the pigs of ADF in Congo had sent a few infiltrators to try to disrupt the function of the suspected sinners. Indeed, I hear that the panicking Americans and British sent out what they call advisories to their citizens not to come to Uganda. These are mistake makers. If the situation was so bad, it would be us to advise people not to come to Uganda, not the British and the Americans. We know what we are doing, always. Even if a mistake occurs, we know how to handle it. These advisories by some of these actors are another form of interference in our internal affairs by these elements” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (15.11.2023).

When you have been in power since January 1986, you would think the man was a bit more diplomatic and humble, but no. The man of the hour and in the time of need. President Museveni comes storming in like a bull in a china-shop and just wrecks it all. That’s what he does and he thinks people forgets. It is what his hoping for and that we don’t remember.

President Museveni and his allies has been interfering in the Kivu Provinces and the Ituri Provinces for years. There been usage of proxy-militias and other activities to benefit exports of conflict minerals, as gold and timber. Therefore, to read these words from the President. Well, he must think we have forgotten. As much as he was involved in getting rid of Mobutu and Laurent Kabila. We know and he knows. That’s why he should consider his stances on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with care. Because, we know he has supplied arms, ammunition and caused conflict there, which he has to pay reparations for even. That’s compelling and he wants to pin the blame on others.

Just take a look!

Moreover, part of the terrorism in Africa is either created or conserved by some of the actors that try to be global policemen. The chaos in Libya and the surrounding countries of the Sahel (Mali, Burkina-Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, etc.) was caused by some of these actors. The terrorism conservation project in Eastern Congo, for the past 20 years, is by the UN, which is controlled by some of these actors through the undemocratic structures of that body, such as the Security Council. It is amazing how the UN can supervise and co-exist with killers of Congolese and Ugandans in Eastern Congo for the last 20 years, and they are not bothered at all. They have created free space for all sorts of empty-headed pigs to gather, train, steal resources of Congo, kill Congolese and, once in a while, kill Ugandans, as well as undermining the economic future of the people of the Great Lakes” (Museveni, 15.11.2023).

Yes, the United Nations (UN) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has its fault and blame. They should carry their weight and their lack of actions, but that mandate has been voted for and accepted by a totality of the UN. The Blue Helmets are only as strong as the mandate and the will of the nations contributing to it. Meaning the Blue Helmets aren’t there in spirit of the nation, but out of the peacekeeping mission given to them. That is something the President should know and he expected much more of them, which is foolish at best.

The President should instead ask himself, why has he intervened? Why has he used military base(s) as training grounds and as logistical hubs for warfare within the DRC? That’s why I wonder about and he has done so for decades too now. He didn’t start yesterday and he has proxy-militias on his side. That has been fighting his battles and for his interests within the DRC. Therefore, reading this statement of his is a bit infuriating, actually. Because, he acts like his the Prince of Peace, but his just a fellow warlord lecturing the world… and he has supplied the bullets for years.

He continues…

It is unbelievable to discover that somebody known as Abu wa Kasi or something like that, an Arab from Tanzania, is the one who sent another pig known as Kamasu, a Congolese and the captured Njovu, to kill the children of Lhubiriha, the tourists, etc. How can such criminality go on in Africa? Is this what our elders- Nyerere, Nkrumah, Mandela, Musaazi, Lumumba, etc. fought for? Fortunately, present-day Uganda has the capacity to make a decisive contribution in, at least, the parts of Africa near us. We shall win. I call these parasite killers of ADF “pigs” because it is written in the Bible just like that. The book of Mathew 7:6 says: “Don’t give to dogs what is holy and don’t throw your pearls to the pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, then turn and attack you”. These parasites who do not want to work for a living and prefer to use the ungoverned parts of Africa to steal, rape, etc., will pay with their wretched lives” (Museveni, 15.11.2023).

This is directed at the ones who killed in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The ones that is alleged to be the ADF. I say alleged, because whenever or whoever is a threat, they tend to become the “ADF” in the Republic. They are the ones and the natural scapegoat, even when the President has said he has crushed them plenty of time and said he banished them to God forsaken place within the DRC. Therefore, it is just splendid the way he describes them today. His rhetoric is just poetic in how speaks ill of ADF and how he has normalized this language. From a supposed statesman and “father figure” at that.

President Museveni before you pin blame on others for what is happening in the Great Lakes and the DRC. Maybe consider your own involvement and history there. Because, the ones who have followed and not fallen asleep in class. Has heard about your adventures, the UN Experts Reports and others, which implicates you in shady activity. If it isn’t the President, then there is someone lurking in the inner-circles or of high rank in the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). That’s how these goes and he knows that too. Peace.

Opinion: Kasolo needs a lesson of humility…

In future, government could pass a law in parliament whereby all the lazy-poor people would be given strokes so that they can also learn to work and become rich because we have discovered that some Ugandans need to be pushed into wealth acquisition,”– microfinance state minister Haruna Kasolo (Daily Monitor, 14.11.2023).

The two term minister for Microfinance and one term Member of Parliament, Haruna Kasolo have not understood or grasp humanity. There are levels to this and reasons for why people are the way they are. Everyone aren’t in the inner-circle or have options. Plenty of people are stuck in a rot and have very little wiggle room.

So, as a Minister who is lucky to retain his office after being defeated in the General Election in 2021. He should understand the plights of people. As a Minister he should find ways to inspire and get people active. Instead he wants to give them a capital punishment and incite more fear. That will certainly not give them incentive or reasons to change their lifestyle. It will only backfire and cause more resentment. As on top of their struggling day-to-day, the government would come with sticks and beat the living crap out of them.

Does the Minister have conscience or heart?

I hate to ask, but it only makes sense. He should try to use his office to reform and give people ways to get out of poverty. As a man of power and an office, he could actually help people out and make a difference. However, it is easier to be judgmental and practically lenient on your own watch. Surely, he decided when to show up and how busy his calender is. Not like he has to answer to anyone or if so… show up to a Committee and a Plenary Session every blue moon. So, he can take it easy and is off the hook.

That’s why it’s interesting that he says this. A man who spoken of the “prosperity gospel” so many times. A man who tried to speak and spread the message as he was told. However, it has apparently gone nowhere and he feels lost. That’s why his considering mental gymnastics and use of force.

To use brutality and violence will not give people the spirit or the drive to succeed. The state has to offer a lot more and plenty of other measures to make it possible. There is a need for change and reform, but not more violence. That is not a solution, but a way of showing the total disregard of fellow citizens or civilians for that matter.

The minister is forgetting who his serving and why he has an office. His there to serve the population and not be an intimidating figure. Neither be a man who orders pain or suffering. He should ensure the Microfinance schemes are working and actually helping the borrowers. Not only to serve and collect. Because, certainly this isn’t a good look…

Hon. Kasolo need to rethink his strategy. He needs another way and try to understand the minds and the spirit of people. Right now… his just one of them and his forgetting why people are in their situations. There is reasons for it and a beating will not help them. Neither is the humiliation or the pain, which they would suffer from it. They will only be more troubled and struggle mentally after it. Since they got beaten and they really don’t know why… and for what reason. That is a hopeless situation and one that could have been avoided, which means the Minister should have found another solution.

He should consider to implement reforms and open up the floodgates of bottlenecks, loopholes and other mechanisms to ensure people get out of poverty. However, his master and the inner-circle won’t do that… because that takes away their means to earn on a daily basis. Peace.

Opinion: Kasumba is putting the cart before the horse in regards to Lord Mayor Lukwago…

I am yet to see what the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has done to improve Kampala given all the time he has had. I am not saying it is not there. It may be, but someone needs to educate me on what that is, whatever it is. I have even held this conversation with him asking him to dedicate some of his time to the finding and doing of something in Kampala from which it shall be recalled in 200 years later that that was the handiwork of Erias Lukwago as Lord Major” (Samson Kasumba – ‘OPINION: But what has Erias Lukwago really done for Kampala?’ 10.11.2023).

A politicians should be scrutinied and questioned. It is nice to see a text like this NilePost, but they are most about the opposition or opposition leaders. There isn’t the same due diligence or concern about the Ministers or the high ranking officials of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). You could wonder why, right?

However, we already know why, but let me digress. The article’s premiss is flawed, because it gives the apparent idea that the Lord Mayor has power and ability in his office. As if the Lord Mayor of Kampala can make a difference and change. The article acts like Lukwago is a powerful governor or Prince of the City, but his just a figure-head and publicist for the city at this point. That’s by default, by law and by design. It is as if the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) wasn’t made for a purpose and the appointment of a Minister of Kampala didn’t have an effect. An effect that has shielded and made it nearly impossible for the Lord Mayor to succeed or even get wiggle-room in his office. Secondly, speaking of time. In the last term he was impeached unjustifiably so and later had to return. Thirdly, the Lord Mayor has been arrested and house-arrested plenty of times too. That also take away the ability to achieve anything.

Nevertheless, let us go to the basics for a minute…

11. Functions of Lord Mayor.

(1) The functions of the Lord Mayor are to—

(a) be the political head of the Capital City;

(b) preside over all meetings of the Authority;

(c) perform ceremonial functions and civic functions;

(d) host foreign and local dignitaries;

(e) head the Authority in developing strategies and programmes for the development of the Capital City;

(f) monitor the administration of the Capital City;

(g) provide guidance to the division administrations; and

(h) represent the Capital City on the Metropolitan Authority.

(2) The Lord Mayor shall in the performance of his or her functions, be answerable to the Authority and the Minister.

(3) The Deputy Lord Mayor shall assist the Lord Mayor in the performance of his or her functions and shall otherwise deputise for the Lord Mayor in his or her absence” (KCCA Act, 2010).

When you read these things. It doesn’t make the Lord Mayor powerful or prestigious does it? Well, in my regards, it make him a glorified councillor, but not a man with a mandate to make a difference. That is more for the appointed leadership within the KCCA and especially the KCCA Executive Director,

Just read this one here:

19. Functions of executive director.

The functions of the executive director shall include the following—

(a) to be the head of the public service in the Authority and to head the administration of the Authority, including divisions and wards;

(b) to be the accounting officer of the Authority;

(c) to be responsible for the management of all public funds of the Authority and accountable to Parliament;

(d) be responsible for coordination and implementation of national and council policies, laws, regulations, byelaws, programmes and projects;

(e) advise the mayor and Authority on Government policy;

(f) present the annual budget to the Authority;

(g) advise the Authority on technical, administrative and legal matters pertaining to the management of the Authority;

(h) implement lawful decisions taken by the Authority;

(i) oversee the delivery of quality services to the population within the Capital City and take remedial action where service delivery standards are below the expected minimum standards;

(j) ensure proper physical planning and development control in the urban councils;

(k) monitor and coordinate the activities of the directorates of the Authority and of the lower Authority;

(l) be the custodian of all the assets and records of the Authority;

(m) attend meetings of the metropolitan Authority;

(n) supervise and evaluate staff performance;

(o) liaise with the central Government and other institutions on behalf of the Authority;

(p) conduct the public relations of the Authority;

(q) promote trade order;

(r) mobilise the urban community for development and sustainability of infrastructure and services;

(s) be responsible for the enforcement of ordinances and byelaws made by the Authority and its lower council units;

(t) be responsible to the Authority, subject to the general directions of the Minister;

(u) on day-to-day operations, be responsible to the Authority; and

(v) make reports to the council and the Minister on the state of affairs of the Capital City at least once a year or as the Minister or the Authority may determine;

(w) to perform any other duties assigned by the Authority or the Minister” (KCCA Act, 2010).

This here sounds like the person should address and the ones with real power. That’s the intension of the creation of the KCCA to clip the wings of the Lord Mayor and it has done so too. That’s why the most prominent leader in the hierarchy of Kampala is sort of the Executive Director of the KCCA. Just read the functions of the Executive versus the Mayor and you get the gist.

That’s why it’s rich to read a paragraph like this in the article…

Erias Lukwago run for that office to serve us residents of the capital. If you knew that it is near impossible to deliver services under this NRM government, why did you run for an office from which we expect services? There seems to be a line of dishonesty here. I am not sure that the primary task of a Lord Major is to effect change of Government. His job is to deliver services to the city dwellers. Has he done that? If he has not, must we not bring him to task? If and when we don’t bring him to task. then have we taken our citizen responsibility seriously?” (Kasumba, 10.11. 2023).

The KCCA Act didn’t eradicate or take away the role or office of Lord Mayor, but it did take away it’s mandate and partly its reason for existing. It is a duplication and done so because the NRM cannot get their flag-bearers to win an election. They know this and the President too. That’s why they have made this law and amended it too. Just to ensure that the NRM get to have oversight and have some sort of control of the city. Even if the City elects the opposition and leaders in defiance of the NRM.

Yes, Lukwago should be able to bring services to the people, but in this case. The calls should be at the Executive Director and her “council” or “authority”, as they are bearing the blunt of the mandate and the Lord Mayor is there for the festivities.

So please, get a grip and until laws are either amended or removed. Until that happens and the law is still active. That sets the boundaries, the mandate and options, which the Lord Mayor has in his office. Therefore, let us adjourn and get some chai, aye? Peace.

The Misadventure of Samuel Walter Mukaaku Lubega…

I wasn’t invited to the NUP headquarters unveiling, but I guess they just forgot. However, my input in the formation of People Power was immense. If NUP has a mother, I am the mother” – Lubega Mukaaku (07.11.2023).

Sometimes, someone should be happy that they were that close, but they were still that far. There was a reason why Mukaaku Lubega was an aspiring Member of Parliament for Rubaga South Division and ended up running on a Social Democratic Party ticket. He wasn’t the flag-bearer for the People Power Movement or the National Unity Platform (NUP). No, he ran on the SDP and the Democratic Party Block (DP Block) ticket of sorts.

He really thought he was special and had a unique role. A somewhat “main character” syndrome and being the character of your own movie. Where you are the one who makes the changes and who has the ability to make a difference. Alas, that wasn’t the case and he even caused a stir from within. Not only is his barking and tongue twisting rhetoric, after Bobi Wine didn’t follow-up or care to join the DP Block. He saw it for what it was and left it behind. While Mukaaku Lubega was already invested in it and had a role. Regardless of the pressure group standing or even possibility of gaining a momentum.

We can understand that the man wants to be seen as vital person. He desperately wanted to a MP and be respected by the NUP. In the People Power Movement he wanted to be seen as an achiever and become a voice. However, his own blind ambition and lack of self-control possibly destroyed it all.

You know it is bad when the NUP sacks you outright and take your out of a race. There is something shady then and something not acting right. It had to be the character and smelling trouble. This is why the NUP fielded Mukasa Aloysius Talton Gold who won with over 49,000 votes, wile Lubega himself got only 719 votes. Therefore, the NUP did the right choice and picked a more suited candidate.

When you write this in July 2023 to Bobi Wine: “The public has many doubts and is asking many questions. It needs answers. There is a growing feeling that the struggle is off the rails rendering no hope for change. There is need to have a frank reflection and evaluation of the past period, if possible correct mistakes and clarify the above unsettling developments in order to regain public confidence . We in the DP BLOC too need clarity on these issues to adequately inform our decision on our next course” (Lubega, 2023).

We can just see where he stands and what role his playing. A man who sought distrust and trying to discredit the NUP and the People Power Movement. It was within reason that NUP in their time did sack him outright. Maybe not in the best manner, but the way they saw fight. Because, they knew he was a liability. That’s why he wants to be of vast importance now.

He wants glory and tell tales of old. Since he was in meetings and interviews. He was canvassing votes and trying to drum up support. Yes, he did so, but so did plenty others and they didn’t try to aim for roles or titles. However, you sought for that and got that in the DP Block. A place where you belonged and where you had history as a Young Democrat of sorts. Therefore, this tale today is bonkers and beneath you.

Lubega should know better, but apparently his not. Well… main character syndrome is powerful and can distort someone vision. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee’s arrogance towards AGOA…

I need to advise you not to be over-concerned by the recent actions by the American Government in discouraging their companies from investing in Uganda and on removing Uganda from the AGOA list” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (05.11.2023).

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is an opportunity for the businesses in Uganda to export products or produce, raw material and others to the United States of America on unique terms. Which has been beneficial for other nations. While the National Resistance Movement (NRM) haven’t been able to develop or follow the terms or conditions for such is another matter. As we know the Kenyans are much more thrifty and has set the standard on these matters. That’s maybe why the President is so arrogant and brushes it off.

A key aspect in the letter from U.S. President Joe Biden on the 30th October was this:

Despite intensive engagement between the United States and the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda, these countries have failed to address United States concerns about their non-compliance with the AGOA eligibility criteria.” (Biden, 30.10.2023).

The key term here is “non-compliance” and meaning the Ugandan authorities or government itself is breaching the agreement, which is reason for the opportunity to trade within the framework of AGOA. The Ugandan government might disagree with these conditions or terms, but has to comply to be eligible in the first place. That’s the rule that AGOA sets on anyone and they just have to comply. It is as simple as that.

However, Museveni wants it his way…

Uganda, under the NRM, is and will succeed, regardless of what some of the external actors and internal detractors do. The further good news, is that not all the Western Countries’ actors are of the same arrogant attitude. Many, actually, either agree with us or believe in the correct principles of live and let live. Even in the colonial times, some Western actors supported our anti-colonial struggle. People like Fenner Brockway, Dingle Foot, Olof Palme, etc., supported us” (Museveni, 05.11.2023).

The U.S. legislation of AGOA is a “new” one in some senses, as it only dates back to 2020. It isn’t a colonial relic or a mechanism from the days of slavery. No, it is a modern one, which has one important aspect.

That is explained like this: “The legislation significantly enhances market access to the US for qualifying Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. It does that by allocating a special program indicator (‘D’) to approximately 6,800 tariff lines in the US tariff schedule, which allows US importers to clear such goods – sourced from eligible African countries – duty-free under AGOA” (AGOA – About AGOA).

This explanation is stating one fact, which the businesses of Uganda misses out on. They will loose out on favourable tariffs when exporting to the U.S. Market. Meaning the prices of exporting will go up and the viability to enter the market will be much tougher. On the short-term its only the ones supplying and exporting the U.S. under these terms that is hit today. However, in the long run… the ones who wants or have a chance. They will either be to expensive or to much red-tape to get there. Which isn’t better for development or trading in general.

The AGOA and principals of AGOA could be beneficial for Ugandan businesses. Especially, if export businesses and the ones who has value-added enterprises wanted to significantly enter a capitalistic market and ensure possibility of selling on a large scale. Because, that what you do, if you get a shot.

We see that the President doesn’t value this and for his often speaking of value-addition. This here is the opposite and it isn’t clever. Neither using arrogance or colonialism. The AGOA is about an opening to a market and ability to trade without to many hurdles. The AGOA has stipulations, but if you adhere to them. You get prospects of entering a market, which gives you possible profits. Therefore, you are foolish to let this one slide. However, that is what the President does and he doesn’t mind.

Actually, the President isn’t concerned… and that is telling. Peace.

The United States Trade Representative – Executive Office of the President letter to Ugandan Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Hon. Francis Mwebesa on “AGOA” (31.10.2023)

Teso Affairs: The failure of Soroti Fruit Factory Part III – Who are they, Mzee?

From one acre of apples, you can get a lot of money. The problem was on our side: planning. We tried to build a fruit factory in Soroti, but it was poorly built, I think they stole the money. That is why I was now struggling with Olivia to see whether we can get private investors” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (02.11.2023).

The Republic of Korea invested 8 million dollars towards the construction of the factory, equipment installation and training of Ugandan staff to operate the factory. The Ugandan government contributed 2.2 million dollars. The Ugandan contribution catered for land acquisition and other utilities” (David Tumusiime & Ddumba Lawrence – ‘KOICA sponsored Soroti Fruit factory ready to open doors for business’ 18.04.2019).

When hearing the quote from the President. My mind boggled for a minute. Who are they?

Is it the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) or is it the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC)? The Ugandan Government have invested into the Soroti Fruit Factory for years… So, who are “they”?

When the President speaks about planning, that has been proven by a Committee Report from the Parliament last year (2022). That report stated the Factory was built for another type of fruit than the preferable or the ones that is mostly produced in the region. So, the government through UDC and KOICA invested in Mangos, but the Teso Sub-Region is known for oranges. Therefore, why did you do this in the first place).

The second report last year (2022) stated the Factory had 2 year old orange concentrate, but didn’t know what to do with it. Neither had the factory the manpower or the storage to have fruits from the regions farmers. Therefore, the factory itself isn’t able to add value to the agricultural sector. Neither does it has a packing line or other things it needs to make tradeable juices. Which is one of the massive ways to trade and use fruit. Alas, another proof of the lack of planning for the ones who built it.

We know that the Government of Uganda has budgeted funds for the Soroti Fruit Factory for years, but nothing has improved. There been plenty of budget posts and investments from the state. Not like they only built it and forgot about it. No, there been steadily funds for it. However, nothing has helped…

It is just strange that the President says someone stole funds, but not mentioning who… when the state and others was involved. There was surely lots of stakeholders… and the digging will find skeletons in the closet.

The Teso Sub-Region and their farmers deserves better. The citizens in general who has lost money from the public coffers. The state reserves and foreign investors who also spent funds did so to no avail. The promise of development and profits haven’t occurred. Not only lacking planning, but also accountability.

We can wonder who is “they”… and why he said “they”. Now we can just await if someone will ever find “them” and take “them” in. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee has become a colonial overlord grabbing land in the North…

Government land- Anybody occupying government land (Aswa ranch, Lakang, land acquired for the Madvhani group, etc.) must leave with immediate effect but in any case not later than 3 weeks from today” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 03.11.2023).

Today, we can acknowledge with certainty that the Government of Uganda (GoU) lays claims to land and expropriate it without any consideration, hesitation or plans for the ones living on it. This after years of stalemate and clashes. Because, the state has no answers and only beholden to the companies or foreign investors who “bought” the land.

That’s how the National Resistance Movement (NRM) operates. They are now giving Apaa Village three weeks to move. Others will follow in the Acholi sub-region. As the interests of Kampala/Entebbe is more important than the livelihoods or the pastoralist societies of the North. That is the message I am getting from the President.

He gives the citizens three weeks to relocate, but offers no securities, no basic ways to find new homes or land to settle on. The President is relocating families and villages all for the benefit of a few chosen ones. That’s what his doing and he has no plan or structure in place to give them shelter or a way to make a living.

What the President is now issuing is a case for the Madvhani Group, which have made agreements with the state back in the mid 2000s or around 2006 to be exact. There been plenty of setbacks and pushback on the deal. However, the state has continued and persistent that the group was to takeover 40,000 hectares of land in Amuru district and build Amuru Sugar Works.

While the mentioning of Apaa Village was to sell it to a South African Investor Bruce Martin so he got his own gaming reserve and hunting ground in the area. That was done in 2005 and continued to this day.

Another mentioned case was the sale of Aswa Ranch to the Libyan government in 1998. That’s why we know the state has worked on these cases for years and now suddenly only give a staunch warning.

That’s deliberate and a scare tactic, as there are no mechanisms or anything in place to safeguard the civilians here. Everywhere that the state has sold land. They are only becoming internally displaced people (IDPs) with nowhere to go. While the investors get prime real-estate and get huge chunks of land. That is hurting to know and the President should know better, but he has promised and the investors wants their loot. Therefore, he has to do something, because his not winning by the years going by. His not getting younger either, so he cannot enjoy the spoils if the assets and the land isn’t sold.

That is something we have to consider here, as the President just directs and orders like a colonial master over the sub-region. Where the public are just supposed to listen and if not… they will suffer consequences. The ironies of that, if they do listen… where should they go? Where and what has the state to offer them?

They have just lost everything and what they knew… so that some foreign investors could grab land in Acholiland. That’s the gig here and its infuriating. It just shows the arrogance and the entitlement of the government. As it just takes, take and doesn’t question its own behaviour here.

Acholi deserves better. They do… they are being sold for shiny objects and left out with nothing. While the President and his inner-circle is getting a piece of the action. Peace.