Opinion: Butchaman sold his soul and now he wants to reclaim it…

Without me NRM was not going to defeat Bobi Wine. I would like to thank President Museveni for appointing me as his advisor, I promise to be loyal to him. My brother Bebe Cool told me that Bobi Wine has one trick that he beats them with, he does not respond to people who attack him. I would like to tell you that I have come with 45 tricks to end Bobi Wine’s political fame” – Butchaman aka Mark Bugembe on 29th October 2019

Well, it is just one of those days… Mark Bugembe alias Butchaman has found out the hard way. Back in the day ahead of the 2021 elections, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) was doing whatever it could to be viable and relevant in the ghettos. That was done because Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was a rising star there and becoming a leader of his own. Therefore, President Museveni sought after allies and friends of Bobi Wine to boost his campaign.

One of the men and people that the NRM captured was Butchaman. He was promised a fancy title, a livelihood and being closely associated with the President. He became all of a sudden the Presidential Advisor on Ghetto Affairs. That was done to hurt Bobi Wine and the People Power Movement.

Alas, while that was done in October 2019. There was other who followed him and these has also gotten scorned. In the hey-day and the beginning they will get all the perks. However, that will not last… because they aren’t bringing much to the table. They where poached to hurt and be the demise of another political leader. That’s why they are appointed and why they left the side of former friends of Bobi Wine. It’s all for Museveni to show his power and might. That he could sway them and get them under his roof.

Now we are in the middle of July 2023 and the 2021 election is a fading memory for some. Even if the ramifications of it is still felt to this day. Families are hurt, families are without their fathers or mothers, as they are detained for their political affiliation. If not they have lost loved ones just for associating with Bobi Wine. Because that all happened before and after the polls. That’s a fact… the state didn’t just alter the results and rig the elections. It also hurt the ones who stood tall and are still standing.

When you know this and read that Butchaman is disappointed that he only see Museveni on the TV and wants to return to Bobi. It’s just like… why bother now? You ditched him when he needed you and when the Movement, and party was getting operative. That’s when you moved to a safe-haven and securing your own self.

Maybe the man should use the 45 tricks of his sleeve and change the narratives of his own life. Maybe the supposed Presidential Advisor could give some solid advice for ones. I know I am asking a lot, but I am indifferent about this man. He sold his soul and he has to carry that burden now. He cannot just reclaim it and get accepted into the fold.

Butchaman thought he had gotten the trophy and the prize. He thought he was the next big thing and what the NRM was missing. Alas, he couldn’t see that they was just using him as a prop and a plot to undermine Bobi Wine. While that didn’t last or work. They are just leaving him behind and forgetting about him. He is of no use and certainly, why should the NUP or the People Power Movement trust him?

He already accepted the bag and the title. Butchaman can easily do it again. Peace.

Opinion: Does the Speaker have the authority to summon other high ranking officials into an ad hoc meeting?

“The speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among has summoned the minister of works and transport, the Uganda Police, the leader of opposition in parliament and other stakeholders for an emergency meeting over worsening road crashes” (Daily Monitor, 13.07.2023).

Today there was a populist move by the Speaker of the 11th Parliament, Anita Among. She summoned in several leaders for a meeting, because of the recent car accidents. Instead of calling into a debate in a plenary or adopt motions in the House. She called a meeting… and I don’t see how she could or have the ability to do so…

“7. General Authority of the Speaker

(1) The Speaker shall preside at any sitting of the House.

(2) The Speaker shall preserve order and decorum in the House and shall decide questions of order and practice.

(3) In deciding a point of order or practice, the Speaker shall state reasons for the decision and shall cite any rule of procedure or other applicable authority.

(4) The Speaker may invite submissions from Members but no debate shall ensue.

(5) The Speaker may decline debate on any contribution” (RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE 11TH PARLIAMENT).

The ideals of the meeting and summons are fine in itself, but the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja should feel betrayed. Other High-Ranking Officials should feel the pinch too. All of these appointed leaders have been downgraded and flower-girls in comparison to the Speaker.

The Speaker is going outside her mandate and her role as the Speaker. She doesn’t have the authority or mandate to do this. Among might think she’s that influential or has the power to do so. However, that isn’t her role, and she should beg for motions to move in a plenary session. She shouldn’t participate or take part in government business. Because that is what she did by calling or summoning the people for this meeting.

Even if this is the result of the meeting: “As a mid-term intervention to curb road accidents, the stakeholders have agreed to reintroduce mandatory motor vehicle inspection” (Parliament of Uganda, 13.07.2023).

The Speaker shouldn’t have done this and there should have been others who has the initial mandate or role to do so. She has overstretched her place and abilities. The Speaker should consider herself lucky because other places this could have consequences. That had been normal to call her out and question her reasons to do so.

The Speaker is the Speaker and not the Officer of the Government. Neither is she the most powerful government official. The President has delegated his powers and appointed a cabinet. There Vice-Presidents and a Prime Minister. Even Deputy Prime Ministers who could fit the bill. Alas, that is apparently not the case.

There are plenty leaders and high ranking officials should feel troubled by this action. If this set the precedence than they are obsolete and busy-bodies. As the Speaker is taking their place and orders people around without the mandate or authority to do so. That’s why it’s impressive that she gets away with it… Peace.

Opinion: Akena Vs. Museveni – Who is telling the truth?

“We don’t have anything signed. I always tell people that UPC has nothing signed with the NRM and we are free to carry out our activities” – James Akena (10.07.2023).

“Congratulations to our allies, the UPC and for the candidate, Eunice Apio, for winning the Oyam by-elections. Congratulations also to the NRM and the candidate Engola Junior because the difference between the two was very small” (Museveni, 07.07.2023).

We have seen how the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) operated in and around the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ahead of the General Elections in 2016. Later we have seen how meagre and silently the party has moved on a national level. It isn’t like the UPC have renegaded or acted in spite of the NRM. No, it is having been friendly and done so by a large extent over the years.

The story that Akena tells on NBS Television is in stark contrast to what Museveni wrote after the Oyam North By-Election. These words cannot co-exist. The UPC is either in an alliance with the NRM or it isn’t.

We know the UPC can work with and has been in partnership with the NRM before the 2016 General Elections. However, what is happening now in 2023 that’s another ballgame. While the UPC will be questioned, and we know they are familiar. Since, the wife of Akena, Betty Amongi is a cabinet member and a UPC MP. She is planning also to cross over to the NRM. Like plenty of other high-ranking officials, which has been purged from the UPC to the NRM. It wouldn’t be a historical achievement, but still a sign of how close the UPC and the NRM are at the moment.

It isn’t strange that the UPC wants to act independent. The UPC can see how the DP and Norbert Mao is seen. That vision and that sort of arrangement is costing in public. They are becoming cronies and part of the government by default. Instead of being defiant or in opposition. That is directly supporting the vile, the oppressive and the dark sides of the NRM. Which DP or UPC really doesn’t want to support, especially when it wants to be seen as different than the regime.

Jimmy Akena wants to save face. The writing of Museveni is hurting him and his “independence”. Though he must go home to his wife, which is part of the cabinet and the inner circle. That’s why its hard to believe the hostilities… or the defiance, if there are any in general. Because would Akena talk ill of the man that his wife is siding with? Would you believe that or think that is wise?

That’s just how small the world is and how close associates’ things are in politics. The UPC can try to profile itself as independent and opposition. However, there been enough people fleeing the ship or suddenly becoming NRM to question the closeness between the parties.

We still don’t have the proper answer, but here is something going on between the parties. If it wasn’t, certain individuals wouldn’t consider to move parties. That’s a gist of things and that’s something the UPC have to live with. The questions would be asked and I don’t know if we will know the truth.

That’s why we should wonder why Museveni would lie about the alliance. When he doesn’t even need the UPC. He can only use them as pawns and as a historical factor, which he overcame. This might also be a factor to why Akena tries to act so independent and downplay whatever agreement or coalition they have. Because it weakens him and his ideals. It isn’t like he has vied for the highest office or challenged the NRM in any way since 2016. That is what is telling and shows there is something going on. Unless the UPC is that weak and cannot show old glory in this day or age. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s get-rich schemes haven’t reached the North…

In Oyam, I drove for 27kms, from Col. Engola’s home to Icheme and to Otwal, looking at the different sides of the road. I only saw some little patches of Muhogo (cassava) and maize. That is why at Otwal, I asked the question: “Cente (sente), tye kwene?”- “From where do you get money?” What has Operation Wealth Creation been doing in that area? No coffee, no fruits, no poultry, no piggery, no dairy and no fish farming. In otherwords, no PDM. As I told the Oyam People, I am going back in August to get an answer to that question. The chairman, told me about watermelons and soya beans. Those are not part of the activities for PDM. What is the cura (Kibaro)?” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 07.07.2023).

We all knew this was coming. It isn’t shocking or surprising really… Oyam North or Oyam district in the Lango region. Most likely what the President saw in Oyam, he could have seen in Kitgum, Pader, Lira, Gulu or Karamoja sub-region for that matter.

The issue of lacking government services and proper state functions are surely found all around the Great North. That isn’t just in the heart of Lango sub-region. No, that could be seen in the West Nile, Acholi, Karamjo and in Lango. All of these places are lacking and the micro-money schemes of the government has clearly not hit these regions as intended.

That the President says he didn’t see any OWC is telling. That means the Office of the Prime Minister over the years has failed. Secondly, it means that General Salim Selah haven’t done his duty or what he was intended to do.

We cannot be shocked that the OWC has failed and that the Paris Development Model (PDM) haven’t reached Oyam. That’s just a mere reflection of how the implementation of the state works at this time. It just shows how the central region is feeling it and maybe parts of the West and the East is eating of the plate. However, it takes more to get to the North.

What is funny about all this is that the state had a four day training of SACCO leaders and Community Development Officers in April 2023. However, those days earlier in the year haven’t brought any results or significant change. Which is why the President wants answers after seeing the failure of his prestigious government scheme…

The President has without a doubt cast doubt about his own efficiency and the output of his government. When he unequally states the lack of OWC and the PDM in Oyam. It is telling the world that his government has mismanaged it and haven’t succeeded. That’s a self-own and most likely not intended to be this way. However, that is how it can be perceived.

The ones who has followed knew the OWC and the PDM would fail. The NRM and Museveni would tell another story. Regardless of that… the truth is setting you free and the grim realities of Oyam is telling. This isn’t the only district or constituency where these schemes hasn’t worked. If you went anywhere in the North. I am sure it has never succeeded.

Most likely in any up-country place in the East or West the same results would be prevalent. Museveni and his micro-money schemes are nice for campaigns and a cheap trick to fool voters. However, it isn’t creating the needed development or the structure to change the economy. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee you cannot fool us now…

From the beginning we were telling you we are here for your good. I am not here looking for anything because I have got everything in my home. I have my cows and I’m not getting anything from the government. Even when we were fighting Idi Amin, we were not looking for anything personal” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (04.07.2023).

Maybe you could fool most people in the 1980s and in the 1990s. After the 2000s it became more hectic and after 2010s. Well, things has changed and after 2020… the whole charade is already over and the dogmatic stances of the National Resistance Army (NRA) and early National Resistance Movement (NRM) has become pointless.

President Museveni cannot sell this story anymore. His to wealthy, to rich and has vast fortunes. While his family is living lavish of the state coffers. The State House budget, the Office of the President and other confidential budgets are awash of slush funds for the President to spend. Meanwhile the enterprises, the businesses and the dealings from within is enriching him too.

So, the humble humility of the past isn’t believable. It doesn’t matter if he only traditional foods or wear only three pairs of knickers. Well, he might have a relaxed relations with his tailor too. Regardless, he has a budget and funds of abundance. He can spend like no tomorrow and the state reserves covers up the shortfall. That’s his gig and he can lie about it, but it doesn’t make it true.

That’s why these words to the people of Oyam North is false. We know and he knows it too. He just have to sound like the humble revolutionary and the average man. While his living the life of a billionaire and having luxuries, which others would die for. That’s why his convoy is so pristine and he has guns by a dozen around him at all times. He got to be guarded, his not only the Head of State, but the wealthiest man of the nation.

President Museveni and his family is the riches. They own the Republic and they eat from everything. They own farms, businesses and whatnot all around. There isn’t anywhere on the map in the Republic where the family of Museveni isn’t involved. It isn’t for a reason that the close kitchen cabinet and the family affairs becomes hectic or even turns into a national spectacle. That’s because their vast influence is everywhere. That’s done on purpose and for private profits.

The President can speak softly and say these things aren’t personal. However, he wouldn’t have fought in the bush or did the war, if it didn’t benefit him or his allies. That’s what it has done and the elite surrounding him is all anointed by him. Therefore, to say these things without hesitation says it all. This is who Museveni is and what his willing to say.

He wants to preserve an image that is long gone. His not the humble dude in the 1980s and fresh out of warfare. No, his a man who is in his advanced age and who has prospered under his own reign. The Republic haven’t developed in the same manner, but that wasn’t the point either. He has secured his family and his clan for generations. That’s what he has done…

We know better and he should know better too. However, we know he won’t adhere or listen to that. His to deluded to think otherwise. The delusion is real and he still thinks his a barefoot soldier coming from the bush. While his a wealthy man whose richer than god, telling poor people to live within their means. That’s what he does and he does it proudly too. Peace.

Opinion: A decade of uncertainty regarding the oil refinery…

Some things take time. Some things take even longer time. The oil exploitation and how it is launched has been a long time coming. They say “Change gonna come”, but is this it though?

Well, I don’t have the answers. The oil of Lake Albert and the Albertine Graben are contested. There already been false starts and cases, which has ensured new companies emerging over who is running the oil operation there.

To further the issue isn’t only the petroleum pipeline to Port Tanga, Tanzania. That was a long-fought case and Kenya was also in the mix. While the funding of that one is in jeopardy too. As several financial institutions and banks has said they are not willing to participate at this current time. Therefore, the EACOP is also a hard bargain in 2023.

So, at this stage we have seen Iranian, Russian, South Korean, and American businesses supposed to build and run an Oil Refinery in Uganda. We have seen them come and go since 2013. They have come with fanfare. Some has even stayed and talked with the President at Entebbe State House. However, nothing has come out of it and the agreements has been lost in the wind.

Because Baker Hughes General Electric (BHGE) and Italian Saipem has been part of it and had a plan. We have seen RT Global Resources and the Rostec trying to get the tender. At the earlier stages of this the Iranian Government tried to get a deal and be the one processing oil in Uganda. However, that went nowhere.

So, yesterday’s press release is telling. Albertine Graben Energy Consortium (AGEC) needs funding and cannot be built without it. It needs investors and people willing to risk into the project. As of today, there been several big companies involved and there two major companies who are securing the production of oil. That is Total and CNOOC, these are the ones who runs the oil fields and who has the exploitation rights. Therefore, these are vital to be in business with, regarding the oil refinery. As well, as the planned petroleum pipeline from the Albertine Graben and Kingfisher to Tanzania. That’s a hurdle to pass and won’t be a quick fix.

Just imagine the Republic, the Ministry and all stakeholders has all this time. They have had a viable project and possible money-maker. Regardless of how you look at it. The Government of Uganda could have initiated and ensured a quicker resolve. However, they have prolonged the agony and deals has gone south. There have been several companies involved, which has sold their rights to Total Energies. Therefore, there is a lot at stake here and certainly the government is at fault.

So, to see the Press Release saying it needs financing in 2023. It is dire. When the deadline for building the AGEC, which was launched about 2018 was in this year. That is something I remember. The Final Investment Decision (FID) is anticipated this year and then the construction of the oil refinery and other adjacent projects like the storage facility in Mpigi district was to commence. Meaning the refinery at Kabaale, Buseruka Sub-County in Hoima District is still on hold and so is the whole project. No matter who is a part of the AGEC, as long as there is no funding or funds. Things will not move or be procured.

There are snags already and issues that will bite it. The climate change activists and others will go after this one. While others want to stop it, as this is a cash-cow for the regime and the secretive deals are a shoddy way of feeding the dictatorship. Therefore, many banks and financial institutions can have various of reasons why not to partake or loan their money in good faith.

That the Government of Uganda and the AGEC is lacking funding for the Oil Refinery is a compelling case. That they are asking for bidders now. If they ever get anyone now. There will be strings attached and possible hefty price to pay if failing to payback or honour the agreement.

I am not surprised, but I am just shocked at how slow this one goes. Ever since 2013 things have moved back-and-forth. There has been so many companies and nations involved. However, nothing has manifested itself or shown to be the true deal. That must hurt the pride of the stakeholders and the ones in-charge. They are still fishing to finalize it. When they have a bargain and have the resources. Alas, that is the problem. They initiated this too late and never used the opportunity to get it earlier. That’s why they are hitting a snag.

We just have to wait and see, but the more twists and turns, the more issues that are to handle. This oil refinery saga is far from over. Especially, when the funds are missing, and no one want to take bill. No one wants to cover the costs and take the burden of investing in it. That means many finds it to risky to do so and wouldn’t dare to spend their money. It is not how you create steady progress or securing anyone’s future. Alas, here we are… Peace.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni letter to Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke – “Brief on Bukedea District Chairperson BY – Election held on 14th June 2023 (26.06.2023)

Mabaati Scandal: The big fish is off the hook…

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) discontinued the prosecution of ministers and other top officials implicated in the iron sheets saga following the intervention of President Museveni, the Kampala Report has learnt. On Saturday, DPP Jane Frances Abodo said she had closed 17 files on the theft and diversion of iron sheets meant for Karamoja after they found that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed with 17 case files of suspects. This means Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and Speaker of Parliament Anita Among who had been implicated, will not be prosecuted” (Mike Opio – ‘REVEALED: More details emerge on why DPP dropped charges against Nabbanja, Alupo, Among in iron sheets scandal’ 25.06.2023, The Kampala Report).

You cannot make this stuff up, but it is apparently the case. The DPP is not charging several high-ranking officials. That means what we all suspected that some Ministers and people within the Office of the Prime Minster (OPM) would be the fall-guys or the ones that has to fall on the sword to let other off the hook.

This is the National Resistance Movement (NRM) after all. The famous NRM Way and its guidance to control and besiege power. That’s why the Vice President, Prime Minister and Speaker doesn’t get challenged or arraigned in Courts.

The Junior Ministers and low hanging fruits like Agnes Nandutu, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Amos Lugoloobi. Where all implicated and arraigned in the courts. While we are seeing others getting off the case and don’t have to answer for their actions.

It is very telling that there are certain people who can avoid the law and law enforcement. While others can be implicated, indicted, and charged over the same matter. It just shows how frail and personalized the law enforcement is.

The law and the codes of law should be blind to an individual. The Courts should arraign anyone involved no matter their position or office. Especially, if Rule of Law exists and is a given.

The Mabaati was stolen and didn’t go where it was intended to be. The Ministers and High-Ranking Officials took it for personal benefits. If it was to serve their constituencies or directly build on own properties. It doesn’t really matter, because the iron sheets were destined for Karamoja sub-region and not wherever the high-ranking officials reside.

This scandal just proves what we already knew and how the NRM operates. The NRM and the President speaks loud against corruption. However, when it is their own who does it… it just doesn’t matter and ceases to exist. That’s what they do, and the people are suffering. The NRM is there to eat, and they do it in plenty fold.

The public coffers are a slush-fund, and the development projects are excuses to find a decent meal. That’s how things are looking, and this isn’t good PR. Especially, if the NRM wants donors or want to build public trust. It is shattering how little concern they have for their own activities and looting. For everyone looking, it’s just another day and another scandal for the whole world to see. Peace.

Opinion: We knew PM Nabbanja wasn’t prepared or ready to be the PM

“Amongi, who spoke to media in an interview said they had a candid discussion about their roles in cabinet. “We met in the corridors of Parliament and she (Nabbanja) told me that she does not know anything about the duties of a prime minister. She told me she informed the president (Museveni) about the same but he asked her to be at ease,” says Amongi. “She says the president told her that all her speeches and documents will be written by a tecnical team that shall be given to her on request. She says the president told her she will only be reading what is availed to her on paper,” she adds” (Emmanuel Busingye – ‘“Nabbanja didn’t know roles of Prime Minister,” says Amongi’ 22.06.2023, Ekyooto.co.uk).

Hon. Betty Amongi have been really liberated her mouth to the press these days. First undermining other ministers and telling they only do speeches. To now tell that the Prime Minister wasn’t prepared or ready for her office.

No, one is shocked or in awe that Robinah Nabbanja wasn’t ready to be a Prime Minister. She isn’t that clever or that wise. Neither does she have vast experience or been in other positions that makes you believe she is fitted for it.

What Amongi is saying is that she is just doing what she’s ordered to do. Meaning she isn’t directing or running the Office of the Prime Minister. No, she is occupying it and have the title, but technocrats or bureaucrats are fixing the gig. While she is enjoying the perks and the honour of the office.

PM Nabbanja can also work with ease, as she has three deputies and some of them have long experience in government. Therefore, she can be a ceremonial PM and a face of the Government. Even if she doesn’t do much or even can fulfil the needs of her office. Because there is a massive workload and responsibilities of the OPM. That has been since the days of Mbabazi… and it has ballooned since then.

We can all act like this is funny and that Museveni appointed a clueless person on a whim. It has been done so the OPM is controlled by others and Nabbanja is only doing what is ordered to do or say. She is capable of acting in public, but behind closed doors her staff is directing her every move. That must be depressing, as she has finally reached the pivotal role and gained the prestige. However, she is not to be trusted and only do as she is told.

For a grown woman and a MP that must be disappointing. She isn’t trusted to function or have the oversight. Everything will just be fixed and she will walk in to prepared rooms. She don’t have to cook or clean, the events are there and she just have to utter prepared speeches. Nabbanja don’t even need to think, but just act upon request.

This is how Museveni micro-manage and has a stranglehold on government. That’s why there is little to no good news. Because he even has staff to fix everything for the PM. She don’t have to think or consider anything.

Nabbanja can just walk into the office and be told what to do. Then she does it and call it a night. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee don’t need working ministers…

“I was speaking to one of the ministers…he was joking with me and said when he was appointed a minister, he asked HE the President:   ‘What is the role of a minister now that you have appointed me?’ The President said: ‘Do not worry, yours…they write for you a speech. Just go and deliver, but make sure you have delivered it well,” Betty Amongi,Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development” (Daily Monitor, 22.06.2023).

If you ever wondered why certain ministers in the 80 Ministers cabinet, one Vice-President, one Prime Minister and three Deputy Prime Ministers. There is a reason why so many heads and offices exist. They are there to “deliver” speeches, but not sure of their roles. That isn’t strange either…

The cabinet is filled with duplications and massive undertaking of mandates. While several are under same portfolio and could practically serve the same purposes. In addition there are other government entities and other units, which also covers the workload too. So, it is not like all ministers need to a lot of heavy lifting. Because, technocrats, bureaucrats and even some civil society organizations fill the void.

It is really telling that the President since 1986 says this. A man who claims Ugandans are lazy and lack will to develop. When he has made a system of redundancy and over-bloated state apparatus. That’s what he has done and this is why Ministers feels like this.

If you ever wonder what Museveni has achieved. He has achieved to appoint several people to do the same job. The President has managed to create sort of a hectic system of entities and units, which are side-lining each other. In such a way that they are not sure what they should do or could achieve without a heads-up from the Head of State.

This quote from Hon. Betty Amongi only shows the true fashion and how things are operating in the Republic. The President don’t need working Ministers or people who knows their job. P

President Museveni is just saying he don’t need them to do much, but just acting honourable and deliver nice speeches in public. That’s all he needs… Peace.