Opinion: Thou shall not pray…

“Police in western Uganda are holding six people, including former Fort Portal City Mayor, Rev Kintu Willy Muhanga, on charges of inciting violence and unlawful assembly. The six were arrested Wednesday as they moved in some parts of Fort Portal City and Kabarole District holding meetings to “pray for unfulfilled government pledges.”” (…) “According to police, the organizers listed unfulfilled pledges that include the construction of Kijura Road, an industrial park at Kyembogo, reconstruction of Buhinga Stadium as well as construction of Saaka and Kazingo security roads. The suspects were due to be arraigned before in court on March 30” (Alex Ashaba – ‘Reverend, 5 others arrested over holding prayers for unfulfilled Museveni pledges’ 30.03.2023, Daily Monitor).

In the Republic, nothing is holy, and nothing cannot be touched. Especially, if you dare to offend the Don. No one should argue or even question the ruler. The Self-Styled President for Life, President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhurwa Museveni who has reigned supreme since 1986. No one should ever question his means or his record. He is a deity living on earth and we are mere mortals who are lucky to be in the presence of him.

Nah… but you get the gist. If there is anyone who protests, dissent or even plans to organize against the state. The authorities will pick you up or arrest you. In the case of Reverend Muhanga and associates are no different. If he had been more aligned with the state or the government, he would most likely get a free car around election time.

Nevertheless, here we are, and a reverend cannot even pray for the unfulfilled promises of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Even when the First Lady is sounding and acting like a high priest or an evangelical pastor of some sorts. The President even uses scripture at any convenient time too. But blocking prayers… that’s something the state can do on the regular.

We know the authorities has blocked prayers from both National Unity Platform and Forum for Democratic Change. So, this isn’t anything new from the authorities, but more of the same.

This is the sort of state of affairs we have gotten accustomed too. Where prayers or small groups assembling are either blocked or called “unlawful”. Just for the simple reason that it dissents from the NRM. It is just common practice, and the Police Force is doing it on the regular. While “government” protests are allowed for causes beneficial of the high-ranking officials. Meanwhile, anyone else who dares are arrested and silenced by the same state. Therefore, this is the sort of “democracy” that Museveni is running and been doing so for years.

A reverend cannot even pray for the misgivings, the grievances and the plights of his fellow people. That’s what the state has come too. This is how far the NRM, and the Government of Uganda goes… while the same leaders and high-ranking officials are trying to act holier than thou. Alas, that is all a lie, because they cannot even stomach prayers that questions their inactions and their lack of development. Peace.

Dr. Bayigga Michael Lulume MP: Open letter to President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhurwa Museveni (24.03.2023)

Opinion: Mwenda’s narrow path…

Overall, the blog has taken a critical stance towards Mwenda’s political commentary and his views on Ugandan politics, with a focus on his support of the NRM and his criticism of opposition leaders” (ChatGPT, 25.03.2023).

Over the years, I have been a staunch and loudmouth critic of journalist and editor Andrew Mwenda. That has been within reason and with arguments, which I find reasonable. However, this last week. I find myself in a peculiar place, in agreement with Mwenda. Even if we don’t see eye-to-eye or is in the same head-space.

Mwenda has been a token ally of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and an unofficial government spokesperson with his views and perspectives. So, it wasn’t shocking that the Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga appointed him to the spokesperson of the MK Army/Movement. That was just the where he was headed anyway.

So, when I see the pushback and retorts back after Mwenda published another one of his Facebook rants. I find it interesting, that this time… his on point and the last time was maybe the garbage helicopters of Garang. So, it has been a decade or so, since we agreed upon something or can acknowledge the pseudo-intellectual spin of his.

Especially when Mwenda write so poignantly this:

More critically, the law is as stupid as it is going to be redundant. It is stupid because it is passed on the basis of protecting Ugandan morals. But you cannot legislate morality and enforce it using state diktat. Morality would be best left to families and religious institutions. Besides homosexuality is not the only “immoral” problem Uganda is facing. As already state above, Ugandans are having sex before marriage, husbands and wives (in fact 90% of the MPs who voted for this law) are cheating on their spouses with reckless abandon, kids in schools are binge drinking and fornicating as if it is running out of fashion etc. etc. The law will be redundant because homosexuality among consenting adults is a private activity conducted in the privacy of their bedrooms. Since both parties are consenting, there is miniscule likelihood that one party will report to police against another. If the problem is pedophilia (sex with underage kids or minors), which is what most Ugandans I listen to seem to insinuate, we have the law against defilement. If it is nonconsensual sex, then we have the law against rape” (Andrew M. Mwenda – ‘Uganda’s homophobic madness’ 24.03.2023).

These words are so on point and makes on the other side of his boss. Mwenda is now crossing paths with the views and perspectives of Muhoozi. The spokesperson of the MK Movement is questioning the reasoning and political motives of their “beloved” leader. I couldn’t have stated these words more perfectly myself. I’m amazed that Mwenda wrote this… when he should know how Muhoozi feels about. That is the man with the meal-ticket and future political base to uphold.

While Mwenda is right in his reasoning and basis for his arguments. I totally agree with him. His going into troubled territories here. Mwenda is crossing swords and negating the views of the Lt. Gen. A man who has professed his love for the Lord and Women. We know the General has even praised the beauty of Kenyan and Rwandan Women. As well, as speaking endearing about his wife. So, we know the game his playing…

Alas, here comes the trouble. Even if Mwenda is right and has a sound mind here. That don’t matter when he has to cater to the court of public opinion. Neither does it help him when the cronies and everyone around him eyeing for his spot. Sooner or later he could fall out of favour and be sacked in the morning.

Mwenda is playing a game he cannot win. He can challenge the law in the Courts like he did with the previous ones. However, his gambling the ticket and the enterprise he has with Muhoozi. The Lt. Gen. isn’t a seasoned vet or a man of rational thinking. His a boozed up and brutal individual with an ego higher than Mount Kilimanjaro. So, Mwenda should be careful here…

He ended his text with this:

To conservative Ugandans, I can only say that our country can only suppress homosexuality by simply abandoning our search for modernization. Here, we would all turn our back on development and return to our villages to live as peasants. But this we will not do because out desire for development is much more intense than our hatred for homosexuality. For gay Ugandans and liberal intellectuals, ignore the subjective motivations of the homophobes. The objective outcome of this draconian law is to widen the debate and bring more knowledge, curiosity and eventually tolerance of homosexuality in our country” (Mwenda, 24.03.2023).

It is really a compelling way and a story to tell. That is uses this argument and reasoning this far. A man who counted cars to explain the rising development. Now he says homosexuality is a sign of modernity. In this instance, I beg to differ a little, because this has always existed and been a thing. That’s why even Roman emperors was dwelling in these activities and that’s ages ago. So, it is part of humanity. The only difference with out time… is that the legality and the human rights conventions are allowing it by law many place. Nevertheless, I am on the side of Mwenda.

You shouldn’t target one minority and have laws that are so severe over moralities. That will be a dangerous path and we don’t know where that is ending. It is starting today with the gays, but tomorrow it could be your neighbour. That’s why the text of Mwenda is within reason and common sense. While we know that all common sense, isn’t all that common.

For a man that has bastardized and gone overboard in his defence of the state and vilification of the opposition. Mwenda was on point here… but by doing so… he could lose his fortunes and his future. As he bets on goodwill and possible other ramifications by taking this stance. This saga will continue.

A year ago or two… I would have neither sided with this man. However, his proving that he can be reasonable and be right. That’s a relief, but don’t expect this to be an occurring theme. Peace.

Opinion: Muhoozi’s “popularity” is artificial at best…

Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga and his MK Movement/Army is a castle made on sand. The waves will overtake it and the sand will end up in the ocean. The seas will over time take control and return things back to “normal”.

The castle that MK and his handlers are building looks shiny. The gates, the water-ways and the astute guarding towers. Nevertheless, it is a pointless exercise, when it is all based on a lie. MK have no real popularity or sense of what the public wants. His trying to act youthful and be the “next” in line. Though it is a futile enterprise, because he has no charisma and no message to sell.

Unless, his trying to act holier than thou. The militant and brutal soldier who is trying to convene messages of faith and belief in the future. A man who is trying to succeed and copy his father. Though his father has reasoning and knows how to spin an agenda. His son looks like a fish out of water. Muhoozi just cannot stomach or has the cognitive ability to convey it.

We know the team who is buys with their gig will do what they can to sell him. If it is on the social media platforms. If not in the newspapers and wherever you can read about it. They will make it seem like he has “real” crowds and engagement. Though people are ferried, paid and fed to be there. They aren’t there out of love or support, but getting there for a free t-shirt.

While others has build parties and tried in the political landscape to fight for their rights. For MK it is a right of passage. Since others are blocked, silenced, tortured and not allowed to enter the arenas. The whole state machinery and every little minion is preparing the feasts for MK. From his birthday bashes to now “clean up” Sundays. The state are just ushering him in and kissing his feet.

That’s why MK starts to believe his onto something. Even when his far from it. When you are living on a lie. The lie will sooner or later catch on to you. Especially, when his surrounded by “yes-men” who won’t dare to question him or challenge him. They don’t want the avenger to leave them in a dungeon like his done to others over the years.

MK is a soldier at heart and not a good one either. It is easy to win battles over unarmed civilians and humiliate opponents who are mere mortals. That’s what he has done and it’s been relatively easy. He has gotten away with murder and with human rights violations. As a commander of the Special Forces Command. He has done things that are despicable. Therefore, thinking his loved and genuinely popular is naive.

Muhoozi will not achieve his goals on merit or by a popular vote. It got to be rigged, because his artificially created and made up. The token Manchurian candidate and not the true definition of populist. No, his just a brother who would have been a butcher or mechanic, if it wasn’t his father being the tyrant since 1986. That’s why he thinks his all of that and he got the juice.

There is no juice and no mental gymnastics that can make him a “winner”. Since he doesn’t have it in him. A politician and a popular leader needs certain characteristics…. Which MK doesn’t have and never will. First of his father had some of it and he was able to sell his lies for years. Secondly, MK doesn’t have the time or want to go to the bush for his “rights”. His already old and isn’t built that way. MK is the elite and the product of the patronage of the NRM. That’s why his like this… and he won’t change. Peace.

South Africa: Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – EFF Condemns Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill (24.03.2023)

Opinion: It has now been 425 days without a Governor of the BoU…

“The appointment of the Governor is a prerogative of H.E the President subject to Article 161 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which states that; the governor, the deputy governor and all other members of the board shall be appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament. To that effect, if the Governor dies, resigns, or otherwise vacates office before the expiry of the term for which he or she was appointed, the President may appoint another person in his or her office, and the person so appointed shall hold office for the unexpired period of the term of office of the person in whose place he or she is appointed. In the absence of the Governor, the Deputy Governor will perform the duties of offices of the Governor and Deputy Governor until the new Governor is appointed. Indeed, The Bank is currently operating efficiently under the direction of the Deputy Governor. He is supported by a team of Executive Directors and technical officers. The appointing authority – H.E. will the right time and moment, appoint a Governor. So let us wait on him” (Bank of Uganda, 23.03.2023).

Since the 23rd of January 2022, the Bank of Uganda has been without a Governor. The Deputy Governor has run the Bank since then. It has been 425 days or 1 year and two months without an appointed governor. That is really telling and compelling that the President haven’t appointed anyone for so long.

The Bank of Uganda is clearly not a priority, because By-Elections and getting people elected to office is coming first. The appointments of Speakers and other high ranking official roles gets pushed instantly. However, the BoU can just live without a head and a master at the helm. The Deputy can steer the ship and without question too, apparently.

You know the mission of the BoU when it states this:

“The Bank of Uganda (BoU) is the Central Bank of the Republic of Uganda. It was opened on August 15, 1966. It is 100% owned by the Government of Uganda but it is not a government Department.  Bank of Uganda conducts all its activities in close association with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development(MoFPED). Bank of Uganda is responsible for the formulation and implementation of monetary policy as well as regulating & supervising financial institutions” (BoU – ‘Overview – About BOU’).

It isn’t just a run-of-the-mill organization, but a vital one. It is the place for monetary policies and uphold the national currency. The BoU is by just these things an important piece of the puzzle in the Republic. That’s why its extra weird that it has been without a leader or a governor for over a year.

This shows that the President is just waiting and waiting. That the President isn’t mindful or caring about the concerns of the BoU. When he cannot find a suitable character or leader to become the next the Governor. We know he kept the previous Governor from 2001 until his death in 2022. So, he enjoyed the loyalty and the work of the predecessor. However, that shouldn’t stop His Excellency from appointing another one.

“The appointing authority – H.E. will the right time and moment, appoint a Governor. So let us wait on him” (Bank of Uganda, 23.03.2023).

It is just foolish that the institution and national bank is waiting this long for a new governor… seriously this is bonkers. 425 days and counting without a head or the appointed chief. This just shows that the President doesn’t think this is important or that serious. Peace.

Opinion: Basalirwa and the 11th Parliament will regret this…

If a law, which is so draconian and despicable as the Anti-Homosexuality Act or Bill can be passed in a haste in Parliament. The same Parliament can enact laws, which restricts you and your kind very quickly. This was a test from the President to see what the MPs was willing to do.

President Museveni has yet again gotten his minions running wild in Parliament. They did the same about a similar bill in 2014. Which was later challenged in the Courts. The same can easily happening to this one. Especially, when the elites, the NRM way of foreign donors and outside support doesn’t accept this sort of thing. Because we know there is a deficit and lack of domestic revenue, which has to be covered somewhere… and no money comes without strings attached.

The Majority Report on bill does it’s magic too:

“The Committee 1s aware that the Constitution of Uganda does not recognise a right to homosexuality but instead, bans and prohibits same sex marriages The argument advanced for recognition of same sex relations as mainly grounded under article 45 of the Constitution which provides that the rights, duties, declarations and guarantees relating to the fundamental and other human rights and freedoms specifically mentioned in this Chapter shall not be regarded as excluding others not specifically mentioned Thus provision of the Constitution, according to persons who advocate for rights and freedoms of sexual minorities, recognises “other rights” including the rights of sexual minorities as articulated in various international instruments, including Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 and other human rights treaties, quality and which contain provisions recognising the right to non-discrimination as core principles of human rights” (Majority Report on the Anti Homosexuality Bill, 21.03.2023).

When you read a text like this… you just know your in trouble. You are trying to sway an opinion and an idea, that going after and criminalizing one minority is still within the boundaries of international human rights laws. Which is foolish and dumb. You cannot go after and make it “illegal” to be a minority and expect it to fit the United Nations Conventions or International Law at this point. That is a futile enterprise, and the majority proves that… and still they committed to this.

Basalirwa MP who is a supposed Human Rights Lawyer and the MP from a party named “Justice Forum” or JEEMA. Certainly, is misusing the words “justice” and “human rights”. When can inflict this damage and suffering on one minority. It just shows what his willing to do… to gain popularity and be a populist in the Republic. Making laws which justifies severe pain and plights on one group of people. By religion and by codes of faith, that lifestyle and set-of-life might be wrong, but so is having side-dishes and being sugar-daddy’s; But we are not seeing laws enacted against that… Because, then their “bastard” sons cannot become MPs one day…

So, the moral outrage and means to sufficiently enact this law is bogus. If they had trouble with immoral activity and troublesome affairs. They would have cleaned house and acted on their own sins. However, they rather vilify and go after a minor minority based on faith and “nature”. It is really compelling and really evident of what the 11th Parliament is…

We must see if this law will be able to be accented by the President and later tested in the Courts. Just like the 2014 bill of the same sort of vibe. Whereas today the 11th Parliament should have known better and Basalirwa MP should have been wiser too. However, he rather burn bridges, than build new ones. Peace.

Amuru Land Grab: The Legacy of Atiak Sugar Factory – Part II

Over the past five years, more than UGX 400 billion of taxpayer money has been spent on Atiak Sugar Project. The factory has remained closed for two years, and sugarcane meant to provide raw materials are now being sold to factories outside the region. If billions of shillings sunk into the project cannot be traced, who will revive this sugarcane factory?” (NBS Television, 13.03.2023).

This story has been going on since 11th December 2014. We are now in March 2023 and two years of closure. Meaning one year after the President Museveni commissioned the Atiak Sugar Factory on the 23rd October 2020, the factory itself got closed during 2021 and has ceased it’s operation. If this continues onto 2024. Than it is a decade lost in the trade, lack of due diligence and governmental oversight.

This is just another development project, another government investment into a cash-crop and adding value enterprise, which has fallen in dire straits. It is just horrific that people have internally displaced, lost their plots, their livelihoods and foreign investors has grabbed their lands. It is reported up to 8,000 people has lost lands in the region to facilitate the Atiak Sugar Factory. A Sugar Factory that only exists on paper, because it isn’t producing anything.

The state has already bailed out the Horyal Investment Holdings twice before 2016 and you can wonder if it will happen again. We can wonder if the state plans to it three or four times by 2024. While we know the state is working on overtime to facilitate lands in Amuru district for the Madhvani Group. It is clear that it’s an epic failure and the locals has been hurt the most. A giant massive cash-cow for someone, but not for the general public. Neither is it helping Kilak County or Amuru district.

No, this is just a painful enterprise and a lack of planning before investing, building and even considering to operate a sugar factory. It is just a wasteland of wasted potential and lack of concern of the people who was forced to move from their homeland. It is really tragic that their losses, grievances and livelihoods got eaten up by “hot-air” and nothingness.

This just what the National Resistance Movement (NRM) does… promises to save the people and securing their future. However, they cannot even get the state owned enterprises running. This is one of them and they have “lost the plot”. I am feeling sad for everyone who lost their land and was evicted. They lost the most. The investors and the foreign dignitaries thieving the land will escape any trouble. It is the poor that takes the hardest hit and the state will offer them scraps in return. Peace.

Justice Forum (JEEMA): Press Statement (13.03.2023)

Opinion: Namayanja told the sacred truth which is hidden in plain sight…

The NRM deputy Secretary-General Rose Namayanja Nsereko has advised Adventists to join political leadership instead of leaving it to those that are perceived as unethical. “Politics is a dirty game because you the clean people avoid it. So embrace this political space to make your nation better,”Namayanja said” (Kenneth Kazibwe – ‘Politics is a dirty game because the clean ones have shunned it, says NRM’s Namayanja’ 12.03.2023, NilePost.co.ug).

It is unique that the Deputy Secretary-General of the National Resistance Movement, Rose Namayanja Nsereko was saying this yesterday in Luweero. What the politician said isn’t revolutionary or anything new. Her own master and leader said the same… it is compelling that after ruling the nation for 37 years. The same President has the same issues of his predecessors and nothing has changed.

Because, President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni said this once upon a time:

Cleanliness in leadership is one of the rarest commodities in Uganda” (Weekly Topic June 6, 1980).

Now in 2023 and one of his underlings is saying the same. She is using her words, but practically telling what Museveni believed in 1980. It is plenty of years and water under the bridge. There been several of cabinets, MPs and leaders changed since then. The ones that Museveni was silently mentioning and calling unclean is out of office. It is now his people that is “unclean” and partaking in the “dirty” game of politics.

If the Deputy Secretary-General thought this was wise… it is sort of scoring an own-goal. We know about the scandals, the support of injustice and lack of due diligence. We know about the rampant corruption, inept governing bodies and lack of proper oversight. That is common knowledge in 2023 and it’s a system created by her boss. His Excellency and his kitchen cabinet is siphoning and ensuring the depressing state of affairs. The unclean hands and lack of procedure is his fault. The bad leadership is coming from the top. It trickles down the chain-of-command and everyone is touched by it. That’s why things never change…

The Deputy Secretary-General of NRM might mean well and is considering the people she’s speaking too. Nevertheless, it just shows where the NRM has failed. Initially, the NRM through the NRM Way and the Movement System should have eradicated a lot of “bottlenecks”, but instead it has prolonged the agony and suffering of the people. It is serving because of army and the authorities, but not because of it’s popularity. That is the gist of things and the junta government holds a strong grip over the Republic. Which is why it doesn’t evolves and it has no incentives to do so. It is earning currency on continuing the modus operandi and following the orders of the “high above”. That why we are here and have such shady individuals in power or in office. They are more concerned with their tummies, than serving the constituency or the people at large.

So, the D-SG might be right, but she is telling a secret hidden in plain sight. People know this and Museveni spoke about it back in the 1980s. Now the same trouble is haunting him and everyone sees it. This time… it’s all his fault and he built this system. His party and NRM CEC have vouched for it and created this style of governance. That’s why we are here and all the hands are dirty. Peace.