Opinion: It was only a “mistake” to take the mabaati….

That is a political mistake that can also be subversive as you will see from my letter to the Prime Minister. That mistake, however, is totally different from converting those items to personal use. That is no longer just a mistake, but theft. Therefore, Kugonza do not worry, all those involved will be handled appropriately. Those who diverted the mabaati but not for personal use, must pay back the equivalent value in money or return the mabaati for the Karachuna, so that, that programme goes on. On many occasions, I have told leaders not to try and carry their Constituents on their heads financially (kubetikka) but show the families how to use the NRM programmes (NAADS, OWC, PDM, etc.) and make their own money. Kukulembera, si kwetikka abantu” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (11.04.2023).

A man who has claimed to fight corruption for over 4 decades are now calling it a mistake. A mistake is to forget your keys or forget to buy something on a shopping list. A mistake isn’t to divert, take or steal other people’s property. That’s what happened to the iron sheets or the mabaati. The Members of Parliament and the Ministers took government property, which was meant for government programs and supposed to be given to the ones in need in the Karamoja sub-region.

Alas, here is the issue. President Museveni needs to save face and show some action. Because inaction make him look weak. Though he cannot go to hard or too soft either. His in a position where he knows he needs the support and the cronies on his side. They are all used to and knows the drill. The system is built around looting, pillaging and finding schemes to enrich themselves of the government plate. That’s just the game that Museveni has put forward and built over the years.

The President knows very well that if he strikes to hard and goes after all the “thieves” he won’t have a functioning cabinet or party for that matter. Since there is no one who doesn’t know or doesn’t see what is happening. This is just the biggest scandal right now. However, there are plenty of other fish in the sea. It is a reason why 10 trillion shillings just vanishes in corruption every year. The iron sheets is just a manifestation of that.

That’s why he can act like this is a mistake, but this is the same man that accepts “kickbacks” from investors and was giddy to “handshakes” to people involved in Tullow Oil Tax Saga. So, we know how deep this goes. It goes skin deep and isn’t sincere. He only does it show heart, but it is meaningless. They will all be free and without a scratch in the end. Just like others before them. Ministers might been demoted and touched by the law. However, after the wind stops and normalcy returns. The same people are off the hook and re-appointed to greener pastures.

This is why I have little to no faith. The President can act like this and talk big game. Nevertheless, it doesn’t make it more true. We have seen his game and how moves. His a seasoned politician and has a set of procedures. The same will be happening here… and trust me. There might be a scapegoat or two, but they will be released and “forgiven” eventually. Since the President knows and they know the score. Peace.

Uganda: President Yoweri K. Museveni letter to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja – Brief on the Procurement and Distrubution of Iron Sheets by the Office of the Prime Minister (03.04.2023)

Opinion: Mzee thinks we are stupid [on corruption]

“However, the corrupt elements try to infiltrate and curtail the actions of these Agencies by compromising the personnel there.  With the NRM and myself in charge, however, they are fighting a losing war.  Why?  It is because of the fact that either the anti-corruption fighters do their work or, working with the public, the President will do it for them.  How?  Using the Public Barazas and relying on whistle-blowers. Do these work? Dangerously so.  During my recent tour of Acholi, I got so much information about the wrong-doers and the State House Anti-corruption Unit is hot on everybody’s trail – that was involved in any mistakes” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 11.04.2023).

The other day the President spoke like an Opposition Leader on Corruption. Today, President Museveni is acting like the Head State. Nevertheless, his pinning the blame on others and not the system he has created. A man that has ruled the nation for 37 years now. He should know that in the end, it was all his fault.

President Museveni is now to blame for the corruption, the graft, the scandals, and the eating of state coffers. That’s all on his watch. These are people appointed and designated by him. The laws and the institutions created to combat the problem has been mandated by him. His directing them and stopping them from “investigating” too. So, this is not only partly his fault, but also what he has to offer.

Museveni cannot act like there is other to blame. When he has allowed it to feaster. His the one that has thrived on shady and “tax-holiday’s” deals for investors. The old man has enriched himself on the grand corruption. Mzee has secured tenders and other kickbacks to make life easy.

So, when Museveni speaks like this… it is hard to believe him now. He has had the years and the ability to stop this practice. However, he has lavished himself in it and his inner-circle. It isn’t believable in 2023. This is just trying to make positive headlines and hoping the scandals are forgotten about. That’s the gist of it.

Has there been corruption scandals as long as Musveni has reigned the nation. It will continue, no matter how many entities or laws he enacts. Because his in the business to eat and so are his near associates. The easiest way to eat is of the plate of others and that they do with perfection. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee is acting like an opposition leader [on corruption]

It is, therefore, a great shame that those elected by the wealth creators, betray them and become corrupt- stealing government money, taking bribes to provide service etc. The list of wealth creators has now lengthened to include: cattle-keepers, crop farmers, artisans, fishermen, manufacturers, traders, service providers, building contractors, etc” (…) “All these wealth creators are suffering because of the parasites in the form of some corrupt civil servants and politicians. However, this suffering is artificial. It is because the victims of corruption do not report. If they report, the corrupt will be crashed” – Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (08.04.2023).

A man who has been in office and in power since 1986. That man knows the system, the administration and the whole government at large. President Museveni has envisioned and created the current bloated government. It has been imprinted and created over time. All the various ministries, permanent secretaries, presidential advisors and everyone else has by some acknowledgement been appointed or directed by the President.

That’s why it’s his leadership and his arrangements that is creating corruption. It is embedded and part of the functioning body of government. That’s why ¼ or 1/5 of the yearly budget, which is estimated around 10 trillion shillings is gone in corruption. This is paying for ghosts, “missing funds” and just wasted on huge tenders, which all amounts to little or nothing.

President Museveni knows this and his cronies are eating of the plate. He has issued “handshake” and “tax-holidays” for the ones he favours. Allowing the state running state owned enterprises that are “white elephants” and never ever earning profits. While the taxes and public expenditure is rising. That’s why the State House always needs supplementary budgets and needs to pay of more “clients”. It is a business and the business is the state.

It is just amazing that Museveni says this in 2023. When he said this in the campaign up to the election in 1980: “This type of leadership where people just amass wealth without explaining how they obtained it is tragedy for Uganda. We will get rid of it” (The Uganda Times of June 30, 1980).

He is speaking with the same vigour now, but it isn’t believable. Because, he has had over 3 decades to change it. If anyone had the short or the imperative to stop these sorts of activities. Mr. Museveni had all the reasons to do so and he would have been applauded. However, he has benefited and enriched himself. He has ensured himself massive wealth and vast estates. His family owns businesses and profits of the plights of the wannachi. Therefore, he couldn’t be too concerned about the bribes, kickbacks or other pleasantries to settle a deal.

If he had been new in the game. We might have given him a cheers and a thumbs up. The message isn’t wrong, but it is the wrong person saying it. Since he has eaten, his patronage has done the same and nothing really changes.

These words are practically meaningless. He has created government institutions combating it, enacted several laws and still there are thieving done in broad-day-light. So, the messaging is good… but the one saying it isn’t believable.

You wouldn’t let a wolf look over your hen-house, would you? Would you let a wolf look over your sheep? No, you wouldn’t, because that is dangerous and some of the animals would be slaughtered by the wolf. The same is with Museveni… his the wolf and he never stopped the practice before and will certainly not do it now. Peace.

Opinion: The “Godfather of Internet” is wrong when he says there is a need for a “new” dictatorship

Edward Kafufu Baliddawa, the Former MP Kigulu North and in the past known as the “Godfather of Internet”. Wrote an opinion piece for the Nile Post called: “OPINION: To transform, Uganda needs a benevolent dictator” which was published today on the 8th April 2023.

Just the headline and title let me know that he will see the benefits of a dictator and a dictatorship. Right for the bat he starts so vividly: “All we need in Uganda right now is a leadership style of the likes of Gamel Nasser of Egypt, Sheikh Maktum of the Gulf, Lee Kwan Yu of Singapore, Mahathir Mohamed of Malaysia. We simply need a benevolent dictator” (Baliddawa, 2023).

Just this idea and I have read this plenty of time. What is lost in this discussion is the national consensus and the ideals of the nations to progress. It isn’t only the man on the top, but the culture and the will of work. However, with the sort of dictatorship and patronage that is Kampala. A new dictator will just inherit the old one and continue the same sort of tyranny. A tyranny only serving a small elite and the cronies in association with the dictator.

He continues: “It will only come with practical measured and ambitious programs implemented with a tough and strict hand. No body should be allowed to play with tax payers’ money. No body should be considered untouchable. No amount of massaging corruption, abuse of office, impunity and patronisation will bring the desired transformation in this country. We need a benevolent dictator” (Baliddawa, 2023).

First and foremost, after 36 years under one dictator, the writer wants another one. If you haven’t learned from the first experience and doesn’t get it. Than you might switch up and try another political framework. In a dictatorship there are untouchables and people who are above the rest. This beats the ideals of the man and of the will to transform a society. As the cronies can eat of the loot, the crippling economies and of the inflation created by the inner-circle. While society stagnates and lack development, because of the proceedings surrounding the dictator.

Secondly, there is no benevolent dictator. No, dictator has a good heart or kind heart. Maybe to the nearest family and some associates. However, a dictator is brutal, vicious and cunning. That’s how they prolong their reign and they use force to stay in power. So, the idea of a benevolent dictator is beyond me…

He continues: “Uganda no longer needs the so called farce of multi party democracy. What we are practicising right now is simply a fallacy that takes no where except re-routing us to societal polarisation, inequitable growth, acrimony, destruction and impoverishment” (Baliddawa, 2023).

Here is a major fault-line, because it isn’t Multi-Party Democracy which is the reason for the lack of development or progress. No, the stagnation and lack of such comes from the centre. The reason for lack of movement and achievements is because of a dictator. This is throwing shade at the opposition and the dissidents like they are to blame. The dissidents and oppositions aren’t running the Republic. However, the current dictator is… and has been so since 1986. So, the former MP and Godfather of the Internet should research better arguments.

His truth came in the final lines of his article: “The solution is to go back to the system that worked so well for us, where meritocracy was the actual yardstick in service, where political shades didn’t determine an opinion of an individual on any matter of national importance. This is a system where no political actor felt threatened by the opinion of another. It is a system where love for the country and patriotism didn’t have to be imposed by coercion or to be bought but was automatic and induced by what the wananchi experienced. We should revert to the MOVEMENT SYSTEM of governance” (Baliddawa, 2023).

You know that institutionalism and professionalism has dwindled with the years of the NRM. When a man who was a former MP is writing this. We know nepotism and cronyism is rampant in the Republic. That is damaging institutions and the personalization of the state is also hurting it. The Self-Styled President for Life is causing more harm by the day. That’s why a former MP is going back to old tricks.

Instead of re-inventing or finding new means to fix the issues. He instead goes back to the old and the end of the bush-war. The former MP goes back to the system ushered in after the NRA won the war in the 1980s. The Movement System and the One-Party State. The project and the piece of legislation that gave Museveni a decade in office without an election. That’s what the former MP is the solution. To re-launch a government system that has already been dismantled and left in the bin.

The Godfather of Internet is disappointing me, but showing that he is a loyal cadre. The State House will be proud of this piece. It gives credit and gives way to a dictator. The tyrant of the Republic must be giddy reading this. The rest of us can shake our heads in disbelief, but there is always some bootlickers who wants to be recognized. Peace.

RDC: FARDC – Etat Major General – Coordination Operation Conjointes FARDC-UPDF – Communique de Presse (06.04.2023)

Opinion: 30 billion shillings went to ghosts…

“Officials in the Ministry of Finance and 49 districts in the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) face accountability queries after it emerged that they dished out about Shs30 billion to a total of 3,214 unregistered or ghost saccos” (Elizabeth Kamurungi – ‘How 3,200 ghost Saccos shared Shs30b PDM funds’ 05.04.2023, Daily Monitor).

The Parish Development Model (PDM) was bound to fail and there been so much issues already. This government scheme hasn’t lasted for long either, but still filled with questionable behaviour and misuse of funds. That’s why the latest revelation isn’t shocking either. Just another round and another time with mismanagement of public funds.

The PDM is just a new Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and a micro-finance scheme to intervene to create development. Nevertheless, the same sort of tale has already been done and for years without much to show for it. Still, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) pursuit the same of drill and expect another result. Well, that isn’t how things goes… and it shows.

The PDM wasn’t launched with full potential or within reasonable doubt, because it was done in a hay-day before electioneering and empty pledges ahead of a general election. Just like other monetary schemes that has been used to propel and “buy” goodwill. These small tokens and little coins have given the NRM rural support. Even if it doesn’t amount to much, because at least they get a little incentive to the rulers in Kampala.

Alas, the PDM is just being exposed and showing the fragile nature of the institutions. When they are paying ghosts and misusing billions of shillings. None should be amazed by this in 2023. This is the game that NRM has set, and they done so for years. It is just their newest trick, and we can just see it all happening.

The reports on the PDM have been staggering already and nothing useful seem to be happening. Except for the visitation of high-ranking officials and they get to bash in glory. However, you don’t need a micro-finance scheme to get people to dance. That’s just a cheap trick and it does no good. This is a waste of state coffers.

The PDM servers no one. That is clear from the on-set and they are only prolonging the agony until they have come up with a micro-finance scheme. Because they change ahead of every election and with little to no results. That’s why the OWC and Emyooga hasn’t been studied or evaluated properly before the launch of the PDM. This is when you know the gig is up and bound to fail. Not even trying to learn from past failures before launching a new one. That’s detrimental and shows the lack of concern.

Since, the NRM can just waste funds, pay the ghosts and call it a night. Peace.

South Africa: Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – EFF Memorandum to the Ugandan Embassy (04.04.2023)

Opinion: Mzee is spewing rubbish about the 2021 election

“Museveni made the revelations while meeting a section of Kampala NRM Village leaders at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala on Wednesday. Commenting on NRM’s abysmal performance in Kampala in the recent general elections, Museveni claimed the party in power was rigged out. “I had heard about the rigging of elections in Kampala. I heard that even my votes were changed,” Museveni said” (Crispus Mugisha – ‘I was rigged in Kampala, Museveni insists’ 30.03.2023, Nile Post).

The Self-styled President for Life, Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhurwa Museveni said yesterday that he was rigged out of the election in Kampala. An election marred with irregularities and misgivings. That’s why the President and the Electoral Commission suspended social media, blocked the internet and forced people on the VPN, as the polling data was altered and fixed to pre-fix the “victory” of Museveni.

That’s why it’s special that this long after… that Museveni says he was rigged out, because he lost in capital and lost to National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. It is just neat that it happens two years and two months after. Not right away or anything, but now…

Museveni must take people for fools. He most think people are dumb or genuinely stupid. A man who has re-hashed all the sins of his predecessors and ensured longevity as President. The 2021 election wasn’t a genuine on and the “Rigged Report” which was issued after proved just that.

Now Museveni wants to act like he was the supposed winner of the Presidential Election in Kampala. Just to spite and spit in the face of the electorate there. In a city and the constituency, where the NRM has been weak for years. It is a long time coming since any sincere NRM MP or it was a NRM stronghold. This has been captured by the opposition a long time ago…

Museveni is acting like he can use same sort of experience and usage of “rigged” out as he did before. This is not happening now… especially after using all means to “win” and get himself “elected” after every term since 1996. He can act a fool, but it doesn’t make it true.

That’s why the numbers are jaded the way they are… to fit the program and the needs of the President. We know the Electoral Commission is ensuring his victory and only following protocol. Just making the numbers seem legit in parts of the Republic. Because everyone deep down… knows that Museveni wasn’t the guy or the one with momentum in 2021. Neither did he in 2016 or in 2011, but the army and the authorities worked on overtime to seal the” deal”.

So, let us all be legit for a moment. Museveni only trying to forge a narrative that Bobi Wine wasn’t as popular as he really was. His trying to make it seem that way. When we all know what went down and how the state operated. It is just seriously foolish to play this tune now. He is just bitter and sad that his not as beloved in Kampala, as he used to be in the 1980s and early 1990s. These days are gone, and he cannot comprehend that at advanced age…

That’s why he plays it out like this. It doesn’t make it truthful or sincere. Just another time when Museveni wants to rewrite history to fit his narrative. He is used to getting it and Yes-Men serves the dish he wants. Though the reality isn’t as beautiful, and he cannot stomach the truth. Peace.

Opinion: Muhoozi’s presidential bid is in violation of the UPDF Act

“99. Political Office

A serving officer or militant who desires to seek political office shall first resign or retire from the Defence Forces according to regulations made by the Minister” (UPDF Act, 2005).

We are now seeing and hearing a vocal Lt. General, the First Son and the Senior Presidential Advisor, Muhoozi Kainerubaga acting up on his dream and aspiration to take over from his father. His appointing people, directing commandos to Karamoja and being directly involved in the political landscape.

The Lt. Gen. already has hired or appointed spokespersons, he has leaders of regions and planning a little media empire with radio and TV. The Son of the President is campaigning for his own name and own agenda far away from 2026. It is years in the making and the speeches are not giving him an edge either.

Yes, government media is friendly to him. The ones who have the paid gig for MK Movement/Army is happy too. The MPs who have been surrounded by him and vouched for are within reach too. All of these people are giddy for the next meal ticket after his father’s time are over in office. Everyone has anticipated the end and the end of an era.

However, the 49-year-old and novice has little to show for it. He is an entitled brat and an arrogant one. Who can just spew out nonsense and lack of substance. While he moves around like a honourable minister and high-ranking official. He is a Senior Presidential Advisor, but not a Commander of Land Forces. Neither is a he a CDF or Minister of Defence. Still, he could redeploy soldiers and promise funds to patch up the hurt in Karamoja. That is a role of several government officials and holding “rallies” outside of the “election road-map”. Which we know the opposition would never be allowed to do.

Muhoozi just living on the other side of the law. Just like his father who hasn’t or don’t need to comply to initial laws. They can live like outlaws and be above it all. The Lt. Gen. should have resigned from the army and the UPDF. Though we haven’t seen or heard that. It isn’t long ago he was promoted and demoted of a role at the same time.

“Project Muhoozi” is now live. The MK Movement/Army is official. This is another one of them artificial campaigns that is all “hot-air” and a mirage. MK might believe his own ego and hubris is enough. Though he cannot manage a proper speech or charisma to speak with passion. He needs cliff-notes and to remember the simplest things.

He comes like a “statesman” in helicopters and convoys, though his just another token soldier for his father. Muhoozi is the avenger and the warrior son. He isn’t made for or has the skill to portray himself in another way. He lacks the humility and compassion, secondly, he lacks the charisma and the ability to speak with belief. It is all just hallowed, and no posturing or bravado can save his skin.

The UPDF act should be adhered too, especially by a Lt. General, but we know it doesn’t matter to him. Muhoozi can act like his above it all. That he has seen and acknowledge what his father has done over the years. Now he wants to do the same and be blessed by the same spotlight. Though, he cannot carry himself like his father. Neither can he address the crowds or enlighten on policy like him. His himself… though and through.

For him this might just be a plot and game to the next stage of life. He is entitled to cash-in and inherit the throne. Though it isn’t a monarchy and he isn’t a prince. His just another soldier who thinks the next kingpin.

Oh gee, when the truth hits him. It will hurt. He considers himself a “revolutionary” and a “great”, but it is all a lie. A lie that he cannot commit too. This is bound to fail and be a mockery of a race. Muhoozi should answer to the UPDF Act, but we know by association and his father. He will not be touched, because he couldn’t apprehend his son like has done to Besigye or Bobi Wine. Peace.