A brief look into the State of the Nation Address of 2023…

What more can I say to you? You heard it all” – Jay Z – ‘What More Can I Say’ (The Black Album, 2003)

Here we go again, and again, and again. This is the DJ Khaled with “another one” and “Listennn”. Well, we knew it was bound to happen and it’s sadly scheduled by law. That His Excellency, the Self-Styled President for Life, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was delivering his State of the Nation address to Parliament.

There is a reason why there is no real fanfare or joy for these occasions anymore. Just like Jay-Z dropped a song called “What More Can I Say” and Museveni should feel the same. Nevertheless, he never stops and with ease holding new speeches on a semi-regular basis. However, with time… it’s repetitive and a lot of fluff.

I will not deep dive into the matter. Only take a few quotes and say my peace about it. Because, that’s what I do… no guns or glamour. Just mere acknowledgement and move on.

PDM is saying; “Do it yourself; here is a grant from the government to your parish SACCO of UShs.100million, per year. Besides, the parish is near your home. Hence, no more excuses”. This is the strategy of PDM, the money is there, cheap and the Parish is near. Therefore no more excuses by the people who want to remain in poverty” (Museveni, 07.06.2023).

Well, if things was that easy Mr. President you would have done the magic bullet with Entandikwa in the 1990s. We know that didn’t happen and Museveni has launched several since. The PDM is just the latest rebrand of the same scheme and done so ahead of the polls. It is a cheap ploy and a trick to get the electorate hopeful for the future. Though we haven’t seen signs of it actually working with the predecessors either.

With our oil money, we shall be able to complete our targets of a Government primary school per parish and a Government secondary school per Sub-County. The railway, the electricity, technical and science education as well as some national roads, will be the elements our oil money will deal with. I intend to meet with the Petroleum Authority and the Oil Companies, to harmonise so that we do not miss the target of 2025 as the first oil date” (Museveni, 07.06.2023).

The President has been patiently waiting for the petrodollars to come his way. He has been anticipating and looking forward to the fortunes. However, with the way he has run the nation and the debt-ridden economy he has provided. The riches of the petrodollars might go to cover the shortfall and pay of debts. Because, the domestic revenue coming from it has to cover the recycled debts and the deficits his government has created. That it got to before it even considers to invest or suddenly have the funds to expand or even deliver government services to the public. It isn’t nice to say this, but when you have had re-occurring debts and not had revenue. The moment you get that… the creditors wants their cut and they should.

My stand on homosexuality has been repeatedly laid out to all and sundry. It starts with a few questions: “Why does somebody become a homosexual? Is it on account of genetic, hormonal or psychological reasons?” Discussions with our doctors and the other African doctors who had a conference with African Members of Parliament from 22 countries, unequivocally, led us to conclude, that homosexuality, is as a result of psychological disorientation at some point in one’s life- not genetic and not hormonal, as some of us initially thought” (Museveni, 07.06.2023).

If Museveni thinks his smart or wise, these sorts of statements doesn’t make him any friends in the donor communities or the ones who has been covering his lack of domestic revenue. Even if he thinks he got it covered with the future earnings of the oil in 2025, which he desperately needs now. Because, his becoming left behind and less accustomed to friendly gestures, as the time goes by.

He knew the Anti-Homosexuality Act would be troublesome. The old man should remember how he had to deal with it in the past. It is merely a decade since the last round. Now it is repeating itself and becoming a norm. While his getting the populist behind it and even the Opposition is numb on the question. Because, they all know that this is a popular sentiment. Even if it is targeting one minority and vilifying them. That’s what they do and it’s a cheap trick to have “delivered” something without doing anything in particular. It’s a gift that keeps giving and the gays are paying the price for the party.

I can just tell you… you don’t get wiser or smarter by listening to Museveni in 2023. No, it is the same-old same-old, which isn’t inspiring at all. We have heard the sentiments and most of the tales before. Just added a twist of the new type of means.

Well, however… bambi. I am tired of this. Goodbye. Peace.

Uganda Medical Association (UMA): UMA rejects any Inequality in Medical Internship Deployment (07.06.2023)

Uganda: Ministry of Health – Update on Medical Internship (07.06.2023)

Opinion: Electoral Reforms are pointless under the current regime…

“I reminded the meeting that we live under a military dictatorship that disregards the rule of law, undermines state institutions, and maintains power through family rule. Gatherings like this one are only tolerated because the regime does not perceive them as a serious threat to its ultimate goal of retaining power. I added that in terms of democracy, Uganda has regressed to 1973, with a more cunning and strategic version of Idi Amin now in control. Thus, discussions on democracy and reforms may occur, but they will likely remain confined to conference rooms and not translate into tangible change until we recognize that our primary duty is to remove the Museveni dictatorship” (Bobi Wine, 01.06.2023).

The push for Electoral Reforms by a Joint Opposition is without merits under the current regime. The elections and the polls are only done to legitimize its rule and the ballot will not have any value. The ballots and the elections are only done to make belief of a democracy, which isn’t there. A way of looking smart and brilliant, but behind the façade the truth is there.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is clear in his stern message. After listening to the speech on YouTube. It was surely obvious the sentiment and the powerful words that was used. Everyone should know by now and there shouldn’t be any doubts either.

Bobi Wine and the Opposition should know by heart that they have “no say or ability” to change things. Even if they change the Electoral Laws… would the NRM and Museveni comply?

They do whatever it takes to retain power and grab it. The laws, the constitutional order or anything else comes second. The misuse of power and oppressive mechanisms are used to silence critics or get rid of dissidents. Therefore, the opposition is within rights to question the legitimacy of the proceedings.

We have seen before that the Opposition and Opposition Leaders has called for Electoral Reforms. The Electoral Reforms that have come in recent years has only benefited the President and his Party. That being the Age Limit or the massive gerrymandering to ensure a superior majority in Parliament.

The elections of 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021 is a testament to this. We have seen different leaders who haven’t only challenged Museveni but has beaten him. Still, he has rigged it and ensured the pyrrhic victory every single time. If it Ssemogerere, Besigye or Bobi Wine winning. They all ended up losing because Museveni said so.

You could change the laws and the Electoral Commission at this very time, and it wouldn’t matter. Just like there been other chairpersons and people in-charge of the EC but it hasn’t really mattered. Just like there been other judges and other people in office in the judiciary, but the results or the verdicts are all the same.

No can be surprised in 2023 that there is no hope for victory against Museveni. There is no chance and especially not in his system. This is all incorporated and organized in his fashion. His words are the law and the others are just his servants. Therefore, believing amendments or repealing of laws would make a difference is naïve. The President would only allow that if it served his purpose or plans.

That’s why his allowing the conference and meetings of the Opposition. His not afraid of this and it’s just keeping them busy. They won’t achieve much and it’s only keeping them pre-occupied. Therefore, why bother right?

Well, the ideals are fine. The citizens should have a say and their votes should matter. However, right now it’s only one man who matters and the rest just must follow. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee is preparing people for “Biya”

Now the issue of the standby generator group, that one I am handling with Muhoozi Kainerubaga and his group. This issue of Muhoozi is partly due to the weaknesses of the NRM” (…) “Within the army itself, there was also some corruption & Gen Muhoozi Kainerubaga had been very strict on that. So that’s why I saw that there was some sort of resistance movement within the resistance Movement” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (31.05.2023).

Well, well, well, the project continues and succession is sooner or later in order. That is very clear. Because, the President since 1986 haven’t spoken like this before. Not to my recollection. It is telling and says a lot.

President Museveni is now preparing people for the reign of his son. He is saying that his son is capable leader and a commander. It doesn’t have to be true or honest even. No, it just have to be portrayed that way. The President have to make people believe that his son is ready and able. However, that might not be true and wouldn’t be the case.

He wants us to believe there is an internal fraction or a wing, which is resisting. If they really where resisting. They wouldn’t all have been sitting in the garden and talking to the President would they? He would have acted like he has done to the NRM MPs who has defied orders and voted against the will of the “high above”. So, please I don’t buy this story…

I would buy this story, if it was leaked and suddenly a newsroom, a newspaper or a media house was stormed, raided and not allowed to publish stories for a week or so. That would have made this believable. Since that what happen when the news broke out about “Project Muhoozi”.

This here is just to fairytale-y and not so trustworthy. You know… it lack substance and character. A lot of hot air, but not a cup of coffee or a taste of tea. No, the President is trying to fool us and acting like Muhoozi is bloody brilliant.

We all know he isn’t that clever or witty. We know he doesn’t have the character or the charisma to pull it off. His only mentioned and able to get public traction because his pays for it and hires people to his MK Movement. The moment the wells runs dry and he got no drinks. His buddy will go to the next gig and find themselves a new master. They are hired guns and soldiers of fortune. These folks won’t be there out of moral values or belief in the cause. No, they are only there, because they hope Muhoozi is the next meal-ticket.

Museveni knows all of this and can read the room. He wants to shake up the NRM party and make a fool out of the entitled elites, which are surrounding him. The President wants them to act and follow his command. That’s why his speaking this way and making a mockery attempt of a make believe scenario. Like there is a powerful wing with the NRM for Muhoozi. Yes, there are some behind him and some has been “sponsored” to run as MPs by Muhoozi. However, his still a marginal player and only with a burdensome name…

Muhoozi will take the credit and feel vindicated by his father. His father didn’t only mention him, but give him a pat on his back. That must make the son giddy. Nevertheless, we know the gig and the reason for this. It is to prepare and usher in a new era. This isn’t done out of the goodwill of the President heart or anything.

No, this is only done to give way to Muhoozi and slowly let the tide turn his way. That’s the gig here and it’s so obvious. Gen. Sejusa warned us all and now Museveni is playing ball. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine’s silence is telling…

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Dr Martin Luther King Jr

These days you know who your comrade is or not. We know the game of politics isn’t easy or for the faint hearted. No, you got have heart and a steady mind to play it. That’s why with the recent developments… the deafening silence is killing me.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, the leader of the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform (NUP) have remained silent. He hasn’t uttered a word or written a statement. Neither has his party as a whole either. They are clearly looking at it from a populist standpoint and silently moving along like nothing happened.

Bobi Wine is a tactician and have used strategies to gain notoriety. He has been able to use his musical platform and build himself a name with edutainment. While also going into politics to usher in change. He went from being solo MP for his cause and to have about 60 within two or three years. The NUP went from nothing and became the biggest opposition party in the 11th Parliament ahead of the well established ones. That is a feat and a resounding victory for Bobi Wine.

However, he has a narrow path to follow. His party has to coordinate and make right decisions. That’s why the silence on the Anti-Homosexuality Act is compelling to say the least. Especially, if he wants to stand up against impunity and oppression. Because, this law is the definition of that and doing so against one minority.

Yes, the NUP is oppressed, getting activists and leaders detained, abducted and even extra judicially killed. So, it is not like the NUP has it easy. Neither is the price of being active in this manner without a cost. The burden is enormous and you get little to nothing back.

Bobi Wine knows this and it is a struggle. It isn’t an easy ride and it’s going to get testing. This is another test. I know that several of allies and fellow MPs of the NUP supports the act in itself. Heck, one man he campaigned for is the man behind it, Asuman Basalirwa MP.

Shamim Malende, the Kampala Woman MP and NUP Lawyer has vouched for the act too. It’s not like there isn’t people in his circle who is partaking in it and doing the bidding to enact it. That’s a mere observation and obviously they are behind the harsh and inhumane treatment of fellow citizens. Because, that’s what the law does and will do to a minority. No matter how you cut it or justify it. There will be people scorned by it or possible suffer death as a consequence. They are target for one simple reason and that reason isn’t hurting anybody either.

The NUP and Bobi Wine knows what the state does to its critics. The leader of the Opposition knows it very well. The NUP has seen it and been under fire for their stance. Now it is radio silence from the most vocal leader. His not saying a word… and not even a sound-bite. It is like it doesn’t matter or face him.

Bobi Wine… we are hearing you loud and clear. The silence is compelling. Let me end with the words of late Archbishop Desmond Tutu: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality”.

He should say something. His a great orator and writer. Bobi Wine can spread a message and get heard. However, the deafening silence is “killing me”. Peace.

Church of Uganda: Church of Uganda grateful for Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 (29.05.2023)

Opinion: Now the authorities are allowed to be policing in your bedroom

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assented to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in accordance with Article 91 (3) (a) of the Constitution. Parliament passed the returned bill on Tuesday, 02 May 2023” (Parliament of Uganda, 29.05.2023).

Now that the President of the Republic has assented the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. We can rest assured that the authorities, the law enforcement and the bodies governing the state can officially police the bedrooms of the nation. This law is enforceable towards on minority the LGTBQ+ community. However, it is opening up the floodgates of other questionable behaviours.

This law was based on morals and religious codes. When you break the barrier of this and codify it to law. You can easily ascertain or ensure new avenues for restrictions. Because, why should only the indecency of the gay or the homosexuals be targeted?

There other transgressions, other misbehaviour and lack of moral judgements that can be deemed as “unnatural” or immoral. Therefore, why cannot the Police Force and the authorities target more people in the same manner, which it will with the LGBTQ+ community.

When you have started there and stopping them from their love-life. You can certainly do similar things. Especially, if you are concerned with upholding the value of family-life and traditional structures. Because, why shouldn’t there be a law that makes it illegal to be a slay-queen?

Why isn’t there a law that makes it a sexual offence to have sex outside of marriage? Why isn’t there a law against having side-dishes or being unfaithful to your significant other? Why?

Why is it only a sin against nature with the homosexuals and not all the homewreckers of society? Seriously, when you have open up the gates. Better come correct and shine a light. Because there is a lot of darkness and little light in nearby area now.

I just beg to question it. The ISO and UPF should suddenly come knocking in student dorms and in lounges of professors who are enjoying their slim pickings outside of marriage. They should answer for the screwing for grades. We know its going on and it’s common knowledge. There is a reason why slay-queens and sugar-daddies are established “roles” in society. We could kid ourselves, but then again… we know it’s going on.

If you are afraid that one day the officers will come knocking. Well, you should… because there are morally bankrupt politicians willing to sell you out for political capital. That’s what is going on and they are taking down one minority possibly at the time. They are not even seeing it themselves, but they are…

With the reasoning behind the recent legislation. Similar ones can easily be drafted. Just like the idea of legalising a couple for “living in sin” without being married. So, if two people are co-habiting for too long. The law is sealing the deal and the two are married by law. That’s what I have read the other day. Another proof of policing the bedroom and the lives of the citizens.

The Anti-Gay law is only a start. Sooner or later they will find you or someone close to you. They are maybe starting with the rainbow, but after that they will go after the wedding-crashers or the playboys of the city. If not they will take the hustlers or the slay-queens. Someone else will be tested and will be punished. They have just put forward the baseline and now we know where they can go. Peace.

Uganda: One minority is now a criminal offence in the Republc…

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assented to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in accordance with Article 91 (3) (a) of the Constitution. Parliament passed the returned bill on Tuesday, 02 May 2023” (Parliament of Uganda, 29.05.2023).

The ones cheering.

The ones celebrating.

The ones who are participating and calling it a good day.

They are naive and foolish.

These people are forgetting one thing. One vital thing. That if you give the state and a government the rights to violate, silence and stop one minority from existing. The same reasoning, the same justification and the same legal basis can be used against you.

Right now it’s the LGBTQ+ Community that is targeted. Together with haywire of messaging that this an answer to the collective West. However, the 11th Parliament and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in their populism is forgetting one fact. That gay marriage was banned and the sanctimony of marriage was already legalised in the 1995 Constitution. Therefore, this law in itself is partly redundant.

Alas, the most vital thing isn’t the gays here. Yes, they are the minority and the victims. These are the ones that are losing their rights to live and love who they deem fit. That is wrong on all accounts. Landlords and media houses can get into trouble. There so many more who will be hurt and if you conspire to a “gay activity” you could also get punished. Meaning, if the state thinks or considers that one might take part. Well, the state can not only charge you but they can make you felon.

Seriously, today is a sad day. That a “human rights advocate” made this law is more insane. A man who professes “human rights” Asuman Basalirwa… his name is stained for eternity. An MP who knows how vicious and vindictive the authorities of the nation are. Basalirwa is already seeing how Law Enforcement and the Authorities are targeting the opposition. With that knowledge and modus operandi. His giving these people now the laws and justification to go after another minority.

That’s the tragedy here… now people can say and claim that someone has partake or is promoting these activities. By definition and by law they can be charged, detained and thrown in prison. Heck, if you only house a brother or a sister who is. That is enough to get you arrested and in legal jeopardy.

You can like I do… by religious beliefs and dogmas the activities are wrong. However, so is having side-dishes, thieving and fornicate outside of marriage. Nevertheless, only thieving is deemed wrong by law. The acts of having a mistress or having sex itself outside of holy matrimony is still legal. So, why only go after one thing and not the whole spectrum?

Well, the MPs don’t want to stop themselves. They are not the kind to enforce laws that are limiting their rights or freedoms. These folks prefers to get more things and more shiny objects. That’s why they are pushing for laws like these. Without thinking about the implications and how it can be used.

One day… one day soon. An Opposition MP will be deemed gay and will be punished by law. There will be no need for proof or evidence. That person will go through fire and will be burned by it. It is just bound to happen. There will be activists, leaders and civil society members who will haunted by this law too. They will target the ones that is critical and doing civic education. These are the ones that are in trouble soon.

Sooner or later this law will backfire. The donors and international community will be resentful. These might suspend and stop funding of projects or direct government aid. That wouldn’t be shocking either. However, that isn’t the most troublesome here.

What is more troublesome is how this law can be applied and that innocent people can be hurt by it. Not only the minority that is targeted, but people who they deem “fit” for the bill. Peace.

Opinion: Would we ever see an Army Commander in the High Command from the North?

It would have been a sign of reconciliation and leaving the grievances of the past, if the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Government of Uganda (GoU) had promoted or made an Army Commander from the Northern Regions. That would have been a message and a resounding one.

I tend to not get emotional or get attached, but there are certain things that would be significant and prove that there is no tribalism or ethnic reasons for the choices made today. Because, right now the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and the High Command is filled with Westerns and the ones aligned to the tribes surrounding the Presidency. That is just a mere fact and nothing can overshadow that. The same with the leadership of the Uganda Police Force (UPF). Yes, northerns has gotten plum-offices and appointed into high offices politically. However, it haven’t happened in the army and it shows.

I don’t know if Museveni hold grudges or deep resentment. This could be personal to him and he only trust his own “kind”. Even if he says he speaks ill of tribalism and sectarianism. Still, he professes to that in certain aspects of life. That’s why only certain areas has high ranking officials and has the option to be promoted into the High Command of the Army or the Ministry of Defence. It will not be someone from Lango, Acholi or the West Nile. Forget if you are from Apac or Pader for that matter. If you are from Gulu, Lira or Arua. Well, you will not get far in the army and can only be a foot-soldier. You will never reach the ranks or be in the mix for prestige. That’s beholden others by blood or by association. If not that they are coming from right areas of the West and can be pleasing to the UPDF.

That’s how it looks like… I can understand if Museveni has some distrust and lack of empathy. However, the prolonged war in the North. Has cost him and the his areas lots of damage. Yes, the UPDF was able to send Lord Resistance Army (LRA) packing and it is now in exile. However, that war happened because of the choices and the distrust between the “south” and the “north”. Which isn’t strange, as the North had the influence and the Presidency until Museveni came along. Obote and Amin was from the North and their commanders came from there as well.

Museveni has in some regards done the same. He trust his own and chosen this path. Why I am wondering now is that it’s years since peace came to the North. The threats are gone and the lives moves on. The High Command and the UPDF wouldn’t be endangered by a Northerner in the ranks. I think it would be a friendly reminder of how things has changed. That the North and the South can fight together and secure the sovereignty of the Republic. It could be the message and not only appoint northern technocrats to run Ministries or be Speakers of the House. No, give them power where it matters and allow them to deploy guns. That would have been a powerful message and been a proof of the non-sectarianism that Museveni professes too.

Alas, we know Museveni won’t budge or do this. He needs token soldiers and loyal commanders. Certainly, he has issues with it and wouldn’t give way. Some say the idea of Gen. Moses Ali is a proof that he has a broad coalition and allies in the North. Well, Gen. Moses Ali was able to get a deal and has been ally of Museveni ever since. Therefore, that isn’t the same as what I am requesting or hoping will happen.

The UPDF and the Ministry of Defence needs representation. These organizations needs to show all parts of the nation and have leaders from across the spectrum. That is needed, especially if Museveni wants to be unifying and speak with a sincere voice. Unless, he just wants to lie and only does so to please donors. I would certainly believe that and it would make sense. Actually, it would make a lot of dollars and pay of the expenditure of his State House.

I know it would be a shocker to see someone from the Great North appointed or promoted to the High Command. However, it would be a sign of goodwill and of change. That it isn’t a battle between the North and the South. No, that it’s a collective and a nation for all. Peace.