A look into Mzee’s 60th Independence Speech [a story about coffee and the pipeline]

For the 35th time or the 36th time that President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni has addressed the nation in the Independence Day. This year its the 60th year since Uganda got independent from the United Kingdom. That day should have been held with fanfare and celebration across the Republic. However, the most vital and important place to be was at Kololo in Kampala. Where Museveni together with foreign dignitaries was at a bash. Which lasted and lasted.

President Museveni knows how to hold lectures and long one too. So, I will only take a few paragraphs here and there. That’s the ones that stood out to me. Because there is a lot of flesh and bone in a two hour speech and nobody with a sane mind wants to fact-check that on a whim. Therefore, I am only looking at snippets and addressing them as I see fit.

Like this one: “These achievements, have been in spite of the stiff opposition we have been facing from the parasites and their foreign backers, such as the Monitor Newspaper. To take an example, this paper, on the 22nd of May, 2022,it said that: “Coffee deal stinks; but key culprit will not be punished”. In other words, Museveni is committing a crime by trying to add value to the Ugandan Coffee” (Museveni, 09.10.2022).

By saying this we know his the Hawk Limited, which wasn’t addressed in the Parliament report. As the Government of Uganda and Uganda Vinci Coffee Company Limited has made agreements, which is practically creating a coffee-bean monopoly to a company that isn’t really built yet. Neither is the coffee factory built or ready for the levels of production either. That’s why this whole deals stinks and could easily destroy the agricultural output with the marginalized agreements, which isn’t benefiting the free-market or the spirit of producing it either. This is not an incentive or an adjustment anyone asked for, but a problem and bottleneck, which the President himself has created.

While on the subject. This paragraph is just amazing:

After that, I engaged the Nestle group in Davos. They made it clear that they already had their factory for coffee processing in the UK and would not build a new one. Hence, we had to remain as Raw-Material producers, getting only 5% of the value of the coffee we grow. They, moreover, try to muddy the water by claiming that “blending” of the different coffees can only take place in Europe etc. We told them that Uganda had all the varieties and the blending would be done here. That has been the war, I have been involved in until I got the Vinci Company to help me. You heard how some of the MPs were talking in that war. Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, had built a coffee processing factory in Bukoba, in Tanzania, near the border of Uganda. When I heard of that, I linked our people with that effort. They were producing an end product known as “Star Coffee”. Unknown to me, the officials of Uganda, allowed that effort to die out or get stunted. What blindness and betrayal this is!!” (Museveni, 09.10.2022).

It is interesting that Museveni mentions Nestle, which is only this year opening up a Coffee Processing Plant in Mexico. So, this means that Museveni is lying about the fact or that’s so long ago that the Nestle company has changed their perspective. Nevertheless, I don’t believe Coffee can only be processed in Europe. That is deliberately false and a lie. Just to malign Europe and direct his displeasure with Europeans in general. In this regard, there are already coffee processing plants in Uganda. Just to mention one other, which has been operating since 2015 is in Bushenyi district and run by APCU Union. This plant alone is sufficiently supporting 6,000 small-coffee growers in the Bushenyi district. So, the UVCC agreement with the monopoly is dismantling and destroying for instance that processing plant, which is already in operation since 2015. It just shows how his not interested in other visions than his own. His actually betraying the ones that already has started and is operating, which was also described earlier this in a Parliamentary Report. A report that the President don’t mention or even cares to assess. It’s his way or the highway…

On another note, he speaks of the petroleum pipeline:

Recently, there was yet another manifestation of Imperialistic arrogance and hegemonism by elements in the European Union Parliament whereby they decreed from Brussels that the East African Crude Oil Pipeline should not be constructed, until those arrogant actors permit us to do so. Parasitic elements from that part of the World, have been causing problems for Africa and the World for the last 500 years” (Museveni, 09.10.2022).

It is really astonishing the ways that he puts this. That’s why you know this is “his oil” and he feels tampered with. He isn’t describing or explaining the grievances of the EU Parliament Motion. Only describing them the worst way possible and putting them in sinister political context. Instead, of trying to defend with proper arguments for the continuation of it. While again maligning his detractors with language that isn’t fitting for a grown man of his stature, but we know that is common practice from him.

Well, enough for this piece, will write one more about his speech. Since it was over 30 pages and there was one more tale that needs to be addressed. It’s coming on the page as soon as it is finished. Peace.

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC): FDC Independence Message (09.10.2022)

Today, Uganda makes 60 years since the transfer of power from white colonialists to black colonialists.

In these 60 years of flag “independence”, our country has not witnessed a peaceful transfer of power from one government to another.

Our country continues to be governed by the force of arms, and this history is evident in how the force of arms, and military took over the power of politics in Uganda where citizens are still living under terror.

Almost all former presidents have died in exile. Presidents; Sir Edward Muteesa, Dr Milton Obote, Amin Dada, Gen. Tito Okello, and Prof. Yusuf Lule have all died in exile.

In modern Uganda, Injustice, which our elders challenged, has not been terminated, injustice committed by the political leaders who control power, Institutions, resources and tools of arm-twisting has reached unacceptable levels!

Torture, the killing of citizens, violation of human rights, the capture of institutions, stage-managed democracy, land grabbing, the rot of social services, and apartheid in health and education sectors, that characterised the white colonial rule are still evident up to now.

As Forum For Democratic change, we shall continue to mobilise people for a political transition, and restructure state institutions for the true independence of Uganda where a GUN will be subordinate to the people.

One Uganda, One People

Muhoozi Kainerugaba Army (MKA): Press Statement on Uganda’s 60th Independence Anniversary (08.09.2022)

Opinion: 60 years of grievances and still no uhuru…

On the ninth day of October, nineteen hundred and sixty-two (in this Act referred to as “the appointed day”), the territories which at the passing of this Act are comprised in the Uganda Protectorate (that is to say, all those territories which, whether designated as kingdoms, districts or otherwise, are specified in section one of the Constitution set out in the Second Schedule to the existing Constitution Order, and whose boundaries are as mentioned in section two of that Constitution) shall together form part of Her Majesty’s dominions under the name of Uganda; and as from the appointed day Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom shall have no responsibility for the Government of Uganda or any part thereof. No Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed on or after the appointed day shall extend, or be deemed to extend, to Uganda, or any part of Uganda, as part of the law thereof; and as from that day the provisions of the First Schedule to this Act shall have effect with respect to legislative powers in Uganda. The agreements which, in the Second Schedule to this Act, are specified by their titles as mentioned in that Schedule, and any agreement (whether made before or after the passing of this Act) whereby any of those agreements is varied or superseded, shall cease to have effect as from the appointed day” (Uganda Independence Act, 1962).

The phrase Alutia Continua should be chanted today. Today is the day of celebrating 60 years since the United Kingdom left the protectorate or the “enclave” to give Uganda it’s own independence. Since then there never been a peaceful transition of power, neither has there been a silence of guns. The arms has controlled and the power has been with the ones who was the last victor.

That’s why since January 1986, one man has ruled supreme. He promised fundamental change, but he never delivered. He squandered the abilities and the promises, but has instead delivered the same plight, agony and suffering, which was also served by the government in the past. The use of force, abductions, kidnappings, torturing and extra judicial killings even. This was promised to end in 1986 but it has never left.

President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni have vilified everyone who ruled before him. Blamed it on them and sometimes his still blame the colonialist for the troubles of the present day. While he uses their laws, which was enacted before the independence. The President uses the terms and the statutes of the colonial British to silence, apprehend and stop the ones who opposes him. While he also uses the same sort of techniques to arrest and move opposition leaders to the great North. He also ironically uses the military courts and the court martial to go after civilians like the colonial ones did too. So, as for someone celebrating independence from the British. He surely abides by their means to control and incite fear in the population.

We know he has spoken ill of Yusuf Lule, Idi Amin and Milton Obote. While he has enforced the same ills and done it deliberately. The predecessors has their crimes, ills and wrongs, which did linger on into the reign of Museveni. However, Museveni has re-invented and used the same techniques as them to keep the population under his spell.

Museveni hasn’t stopped the land-grab, he haven’t stopped the tyranny or anything like that. He has instead infused that with his own personal vibes. That is Presidential Directives and letters to get his way. Pushing ministers and government entities to create “white elephants” and “empty promises” that goes to nowhere.

That’s why the same civilian peasants are begging for help and the state only doling out small amounts of shillings. While the new elite is enriching themselves. They are eating like there is no tomorrow. Eating and drinking good in well-lit mansions in the hills of Kampala. While there is black-outs with no ends, lack of rural energy or even basic necessities. That’s why during the last campaign, Museveni was proud of launching a water-tap in one district. This is the sort of development his delivering after over 30 years in office.

He has opened up businesses, factories and other such facilities, but they are shortly after defaulting, indebted and lack the proper due diligence to even run. Either the shop-keepers cannot afford the rent or the traders don’t get the consumers to go there. If it is a factory it’s either built for the wrong fruit or lacking incentive of the farmers to sell to the entity. This happens again and again.

Let’s be clear, Ugandans can be proud of their resilience and their willpower. They have stood tall in the amidst poverty, oppression and never ending sorrow. Their kindness, greatness and open heart you met is beyond anything else. Ugandans can be proud of who they are and what they been able to push through. It has never been easy and no leader has given them proper peace. They have used the office to enrich themselves and grab more power. That’s things haven’t moved forward and the current one is another proof of that.

This is why it’s hard to celebrate today. The independence from one ruler to another type of ruler. However, the ills continues and the lack of freedoms are still there. The lack of liberties and ability to regain a foothold. That’s all done deliberately by the President and his Party, because he knows that this could be his end. He wouldn’t have the openness and the freedoms, if so, he wouldn’t have the popularity or ability to rule himself.

That’s why he rather be a new colonial master, but a local one. He rather be a tyrant and a dictator, instead of trying to convene or be elected through universal suffrage. No, rather rig or get himself imposed on the public. That’s why Museveni cannot really celebrate the 60th Anniversary.

Today should have been a glorious day. Nevertheless, the 36 years of Museveni and the predecessors haven’t made it happen. The leaders have betrayed the mission, their office and their duty to their citizens. They have forgotten the reasons for the independence and instead enslaved the citizens themselves under their rule. Getting people to suffer under similar rules, restrictions and lack of service delivery. Which wasn’t even seen by the colonial powers. That’s why the current rulers are medical tourists and cannot get treatment at home. This is why people are in exile and endangered for speaking out the truth.

The current President and leadership don’t want honesty or facts, it wants propaganda and lies. It wants deception and incite fear. To ensure the public is intimidated and silenced, in such a manner, that it will not rise up against it. The public shouldn’t fight for their liberties, freedoms or their rights. They should just beg for breadcrumbs and be happy with cassava. Peace.

Opinion: Kusasira is having buyers remorse…

I feel a lot of pain that I can’t explain to you or to someone else inside me. But all the pain comes as a result of enemies who are fighting against me left and right that makes me just find myself in the center squeezed from there. My tears and pains are of a combination of many things that include my property that I have lost include that which I worked for as a musician because fans supported me overwhelmingly and I made some money but now all is gone. I am being fought by many individuals and I know the president’s word is a direct order. I support President Museveni as an individual but I request what he directs, let it be done because some of us who love him we face lots of challenges and difficult times. We are fought side by side and you find that those who don’t support him don’t fight us as much but those in the party play all sorts of dirty games against us” Catherine Kusasira (07.10.2022).

The running up to the 2021 elections was like nothing else. That’s because of the People Power Movement and the rise of the National Unity Platform (NUP). The National Resistance Movement finally met an organic rise of opposition and within the means of youths who opposed the reign of Museveni. Not the like the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) haven’t been the Leader of the Opposition and rightfully so. However, NUP and People Power came in like a wind and caused a stir.

That stir was met with changes, President Museveni suddenly showed up in the ghettos and acted like he cared for a hot minute. He tried to sway former People Power associates and some he got into his fold. One of them was Kusasira. She went from being on the side of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine into an appointment of being Presidential Advisor of Kampala Affairs. That happened in 2019 ahead of the 2021 elections.

She was one of the people Museveni purged and got into the NRM. Just to prove that the mass-mobilized party could be relevant for the people that Bobi Wine talked to and was relevant for. That’s why he went for Balaam, Ashburg Katto and others. He appointed them, gave them a role and made them “special”. They became part of the state and was suddenly honourable people.

Kusasira was suddenly one of them. She had a V8 Vehicle, an Office and could afford to buy a mansion. Her place within the NRM was established and she was part of the ruling elite. She could travel with racks-on-racks and even act arrogant towards the Ministry of Kampala and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). That’s because she could just call President and get vouched for.

Now she is falling short. The money is draining up and she’s not relevant. Kusasira is feeling lost and isn’t in the wind. Her place and role is sort of outplayed. It is nothing she has to offer or relevance for the President. Museveni only needed her for the elections and appointed her to hurt the campaign of Bobi Wine. There was no real love, just like all the other ones who was “captured” or swayed over from People Power. They only did so to damage and possible break the popular rise of the NUP. However, that wasn’t the case and these folks lost their way.

It is tragic that she lost her house and feels betrayed by her own. She chose to be a pawn and pawns never lives long. The king stays the king, but she haven’t done anything to fight or change her role. The only thing she offered was arrogance and betrayal. That’s not valuable for anyone in the long-run. Neither is she a master mobilizer or a people’s champ. No, she’s just another of them. A washed-up musician who got caught in the web of Museveni.

Kusasira made her bed and she now has to sleep in it. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee’s nonsense apology…

After the recent days of Tweets from now General Muhoozi Kainerubaga. The father has intervened and written an apology to the Kenyan people. President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni was forced to do something and he did. He had to save face for the family and his regime. Because, his son who is in a few years 50 years old had acted scandalous.

Muhoozi should know better, but his arrogance and entitlement, he don’t know better. There is no constraint or abilities to silence him. He is a braggadocios being and a proud one at that. Muhoozi was born with a silver-spoon and he gotten massive fortunes because of his father. It is not earned on merits or qualifications. Everything has befallen him because of his father. All we know of him and the reasons for his promotions is only out of family ties. The case of Muhoozi is the stereotypical nepotism and nothing else.

That Museveni has written an apology is following where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Release from the day before. These two are both trying to downplay and hope for no aftermath after the Tweets. That’s the reason this happen. It is really interesting in the apology itself that Museveni says this:

I ask our Kenyan brothers and sisters to forgive us for tweets sent by General Muhoozi, former Commander of Land Forces here, regarding the election matters in that great country. It is not correct for Public officers, be they civilian or military, to comment or interfere in any way, in the internal affairs of brother countries” (…) “Why, then, promote him to full General after these comments? This is because this mistake is one aspect where he has acted negatively as a Public officer. There are, however, many other positive contributions the General has made and can still make. This is a time-tested formula –discourage the negative and encourage the positive. Very sorry, ndugu zetu Wakenya” (Museveni, 05.10.2022).

We know it’s ironic that Museveni writes these words, like we don’t know what his armies have done in neighbour countries. As if, we don’t know what he has done in the past and toppled regimes to install Museveni friendly leaders there. That’s why it’s sort of hypocritical of him to write this. Yes, his right about that part, but his also the wrong man to write these words. I don’t believe them, because of Museveni’s own past and those ghosts should haunt to eternity.

The other part is just merely insulting, that someone can breach the UPDF Act, act scandalous and spread harmful propaganda. While his still promoted for doing so. His losing the title and being a direct army commander, but his becoming a General at the same time. That’s why the son isn’t really punished, but is instead promoted. If a civilian, an activists or an opposition wrote something similar. He would be bound by law and be in legal trouble right now. He wouldn’t get a fancier suit and be held in high regards.

No one with common sense should believe this apology. Yes, the father has responded and tried to save face. However, the damage is done and its obvious. There is also fear in the Republic of the power of Muhoozi and his insider connections. Since, the MoFA Press Release didn’t mention him or any of his characterizations.

A 48 year old man lacks manner, honour or the understanding of his role. That is so poignant after all of this. If he had felt the rank and office, which he was residing in. He wouldn’t have risked it and acted like he did. However, he don’t have to care, because there is no consequences to him. His only getting elevated by failing. That’s the gist of him here.

Next time he fails. Maybe he will be promoted to the Commander of Defence Forces (CDF). That’s the only thing missing now. Before he resigns from his military roles and the UPDF. This is what his missing of titles and roles at this very moment.

Muhoozi knows he can get away with everything. There is no oversight or transparency about his activity. His just allowed to operate and without any sort of scrutiny. That’s why he has such bravado. Peace.

Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – Statement On Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Tweets About Kenya (05.10.2022)

Opinion: Muhoozi becoming General by default…

After days of causing controversy on Twitter, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga has been promoted to a General. He is now Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga by just living and breathing. There is no efforts or achievements, neither is there any progression or actions made on the battlefield. Because of the humiliation and bad press. The father had to act and he lost the position of being an army commander, but keeping the title of Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations. Meaning Muhoozi still have access and power.

Gen. Muhoozi have gotten a superior rise to become General. This progression has happened quickly and it’s not on merits. No, this is just family matters. That’s why Muhoozi has now gotten a title, but has demoted in the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).

The father has promoted and demoted him at the same time. That’s because of how his acting as a public figure and army commander. Yes, his out of the army now and could practically run for office in 2026. That’s something the 48 year old man wants to do. Even if he has no oral skill, obvious popularity or achievements worth noting. His just another General with no party or civilian support. The only civilians really supporting is either on his pay-roll or dubious character selling a nightmare.

While Muhoozi become a General. If others in the army had acted like him or if civilians had tweeted like him. We know the Computer Misuse Act would have been used to charge him. The authorities would have gone after him and he wouldn’t have seen tomorrow. If he was an ordinary person he would have been treated brutally, but in the end been released on bail. While only having a brief window to go into exile. That’s what happens to other people speaking openly like him.

If he thinks this is a winning formula. Well, his just a General boosting his ego like a Kabuleta. He is all out there, but have no natural progression or sort of crowds following him. No, his just the egocentric and self-centred as always. This will not stop him or wherever his planning to go.

We can anticipate the rise of the Team MK, as he calls it. Where the National Progressive Movement (NPM) becomes a thing or some sort of similar organization made out of thin-air. Just like his rise from soldier to a general. There is nothing that has been ordinary or through proper protocol. No one else has risen this fast and with lack of merit.

This is surely to boost his ego, as he lost the rank of being the Commander of Land Forces, but keeping the Senior Presidential Advisor is showing his still on government payroll. He will still have power and be within the realm of influence. It isn’t like his outsmarted or kicked out totally. No, he was promoted for a reason and to make him more prestigious.

We all should see the “Project Muhoozi” for what it is. Even if the Twitter tweets has failed him right now. He still have not really lost anything. Yes, no one can take him serious or see him as an army commander. It is easy to see that Muhoozi is far from a capable leader. He don’t have the ability to see himself or reflect on his actions.

That’s why we know… this will have internal ramification and the nepotism of Muhoozi will haunt the President. That he has done this with his wife and his son. Just like he has done with in-laws and other family members too. So, it is not like Muhoozi alone with getting a favourable title and work from within.

However, his just the one who has rose from a civilian to a general within no time. He has gone through the ranks and been promoted rapidly. While there is no sort of proof that he was worthy of any of these, expect he got it because of his father. That’s why this isn’t really it.

Muhoozi is a disgrace and by acting so he got promoted. That’s the story and it’s stupid. Peace.

Uganda: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Press Statement on the Muhoozi Tweets (04.10.2022)

Opinion: Muhoozi should be busy trying to mount a ‘socialite’

Today Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga has been lightening up on Twitter. War-threats, invasion of Kenya and where he wants to reside after a two week operation to invade Nairobi. Planning where to settle. Also beefing with President Ruto, as he said Uhuru Kenyatta should have stood for a third term… and that just shows what sort of man he is.

Lt. Gen. Muhoozi wouldn’t be a worry, if a was a regular man visiting bars and clubs as a citizen. Nevertheless, his the third in command in the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor. In addition to those roles, his by birthright the First Son and the Son of the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. So, with that in mind…

Muhoozi is playing with fire here. The Kenya Tweets is just showing his ignorance and his blatant disregard for his own position as an army commander. Muhoozi should know better, but his to busy ego tripping and being high on his own supply. His clearly not feeling the tension in the air or the way he bruises the neighbours. It is like the reality doesn’t face him.

When you are a high ranking official, you should be careful on social media. Muhoozi should taunt the neighbours. Speak weirdly of Uncle Kagame or be vigilant about Mother Russia. Neither should he speak of a 2 week operation to invade Nairobi from Uganda. It is not like he should try get the bride price for the new Prime Minister of Italy either. However, that’s how Muhoozi operates online and he should be more offline actually. Unless, he can get handlers or civil servants to takeover from him.

The First Son, the Commander of the Land Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor. The man of the birthday bashes and of public wastage of funds. That man should be busy on the social scene. He should try to get babes and side-dishes. He should enjoy the spoils of the wealth. Muhoozi calls himself a revolutionary, but his just a cadre of a junta government. His a man who enjoys wealth and power. It isn’t like he has fought for anything or gone through the hard-knock life. No, Muhoozi gotten spoiled and is a brat with military fatigue. That’s why he can openly torture, kidnap and silence the ones who speaks ill of him. This because, he has never faced any real challenge or consequence for his actions.

I know, if I was based in Kampala and wrote this. I could be in danger of a “drone” and a “Panda Gari”, and I wouldn’t blame anyone else than myself. I wrote it and the authorities would use Computer Misuse Act, the Penal Code and whatever they could against me. That’s just the game of the state and how it operates. Muhoozi would send the Special Forces Command (SFC), CMI, ISO or anyone else.

That’s why he should be busy fathering bastards and not be involved in politics. Neither does he have the mental capacity or the wits for it. His just a ruthless and reckless man without any sort of common sense. He think his brilliant and has supporters, but the Team MK is a gig and they will wither the moment the wells are dry. The moment the cash-flow is running low and the access to funds are over. The Team MK will become history overnight… and he cannot phantom that. He thinks these moments are forever, but they are sadly on era, which is going away eventually.

In this regard, he has no charisma or personality worthy of anything. It is like he needs an orator to give him lessons. We saw how he was speaking on stage on the birthday bashes. We know his not built for that. That’s why he rather be in the background and incite violence there. Because, his not able or capable to narrate in front of a crowd.

That’s why my advice to Muhoozi is to use his mind, assets and the leverage he currently has. To show his manhood and eat. He has the opportunity now as his father is still in power. Muhoozi has the options of socialites and the prestige of his name. They will not linger around him when his a relic of the past. No, they will be around him now. He got the bank and the power. His maybe professing love for his wife now and then. But there are already rumours of woman he has been with.

So, Muhoozi should act out now. Not come with threats of war or conflict. He should be more silent and in the wind. Though he thinks greatly of himself. Maybe if he was busy trying to flirt and make-out. He maybe wouldn’t have time to cause a stir online. That way he would loose his steam and energy. We would live more peaceful and he would be more fulfilled…

We never know, but maybe someone whose a real socialite who could have done some magic on Muhoozi. Peace.