Teso Affairs: In the Teso Sub-Region they are eating termites to survive the famine!

Residents of the hunger stricken areas in Teso region are now forced to eat termites due the current hunger crisis caused by last year and this year’s prolonged drought. Florence Kulume a mother of nine and a resident of Atira sub county in Serere district goes early morning to look for grass, sort it straight before washing it with roots of a certain tree locally known as “Ekoboi” in Ateso which is sour and loved by termites” (Kampala Dispatch – ‘Starving families in Teso resort to eating termites, Karimojong flee to Kenya’ 13.06.2022).

The Teso Sub-Region is hit with food insecurity yet again. It seems like the Teso Affairs and the state haven’t followed previous recommendations or any sort of thing. As the problems of past is revisiting the area. An area where the state has invested in a fruit factory, the Soroti Fruit Factory, but not secured the farmers or the agricultural sector as a whole. Since, within a few years time and a new drought settles in. The same issue of hunger and starvations sets in.

I have to use the sentiment of a farmer from the last time in 2017. Because the situation hasn’t changed but its more of the same.

Still, a local farmer wrote a piece to the Chimp Reports that has some valuable assessments:

The current hunger in Teso has largely been attributed to drought, while this assertion may hold some truths; there is increasingly evidence that the Ministry of Teso Affairs has not done its part. Hunger in Teso is as a result of both internal and external factors. For many years, the region has been experiencing declining productivity and this was recently worsened by drought. For districts like Ngora, Bukedia and Kumi, land fragmentation has heavily affected productivity” (…) “Clearly besides drought, Teso food systems are in a crisis and our expectation was that the Ministry of Teso affairs working with other stakeholders would work to address this problem. Our view is that hunger should be among the ‘affairs’ that Ministry of Teso Affairs should be engaged in. Agriculture remains a major livelihood for our people in Teso and therefore we require urgent response from Ministry of Teso Affairs on its plans to help our people get out of the current hunger crisis” (Akorikin, 2017).

Minister of State for Teso Affairs, Hon. Christine Aporu Amongin has to accept her faults and lack of good governance. The state haven’t done their due diligence or tried to mitigate it. That’s why it’s happening again after 5 years. We know the state will come with excuses. Last time around another minister blamed the suffering communities for selling their crops and whatnot to get money to stay alive. Therefore, we shouldn’t expect much from the state or the ministries in question.

The Office of the Prime Minister and the Minister for Relief and Disaster Preparedness should together with the Teso Affairs make some mechanisms and help people out. Not only with the direct aid and need food right now. That what they should do and in such a manner that people can eat nutritious food.

Now that it has happen for the second time in 5 years. The state needs to do more than short-term relief. There is a need for more food security mechanisms that actually can help the farmers and the hit communities in the Teso sub-region. Peace.

Reference:

Akorikin, Francis – ‘OPINION: Government Should Review the Relevance of Ministry of Teso Affairs’ (05.05.2017) link: https://www.chimpreports.com/opinion-government-should-review-the-relevance-of-ministry-of-teso-affairs/

The Rise of the Cassava Republic: Low-Income turned into Middle-Income out-of-nowhere..

Remember, the locusts, the rising waters of the Lakes, the floating islands, the landslides, the terrorist bombs, the covid-19 and now the rising commodity prices artificially caused by the Ukrainian war. In spite of all these, the Ugandan economy, by the budget time in the next few days, will be standing at US$ 45.7billion by the exchange rate method and at USD 131.6 billion by the method. This means that the GDP per capita is now $1046. You remember, the entrance points for the lower middle-income status, is USD 1036. We have now passed that figure. Congratulations. However, to be declared a middle-income country, you need to sustain this for two to three consecutive years. I am confident, we shall over perform, in achieving that” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

The President yesterday surely said a lot of things yesterday. I thought this one would be one of the myths and legends of old. That no one would take seriously… because the delusion is real. The powers of the State House and all of his Presidential Advisors should have told him “no”. Even the son who prefers to party and throw birthday parties should have advised him to say otherwise. Because, this is useless…

Museveni isn’t close to Middle-Income Country. Not by stretch, a mile or such. That’s because of the financial policies, the lack of financial integration and all the other means of which is a proper open economy. Alas, if it had been open and tradable, he wouldn’t have his hand in every cookie-jar. That’s why his butt-hurt that his coffee deal with Vinci is under fire. Because, no one see it as a viable enterprise or idea to begin with.

We know in a nation of hand-to-mouth, in a nation of gig-economy and 1 out of 5 is living in direct poverty. It’s hard to believe that nation is a middle-income. Heck, there isn’t even a growing middle-class either. If it had been a growing middle-class, there would be more stores and other sorts of outlets for people to buy luxurious goods. However, there hasn’t been a growth of that either.

The growing inflations, the deficit financing and the running debts of nation is proving otherwise. The state isn’t growing with domestic financing, but the budgets are bloated and covered by expensive loans. Which the next generation or the next President has to clear. Since, Museveni is possible dead when the maturity of these loans has hit peak. There is already trillions of shillings going out of the economy just to finance old loans, as the state is hiking up new one. That’s all to keep the upkeep of a huge entourage and cronies surrounding the President. With a mushroomed cabinet and gerrymandering of epic proportions, that is all costing and the amount 555 MPs says it all. They are all paid and has perks. So, the state is coving these expenses without adding any new revenue or such.

That’s why hearing a man like this saying… they have hit Middle-Income is nonsense. It is pure A QUALIFIED BS. It is utterly ridiculous. It would be funny, if it was a punchline or a joke, but he said this and meant it. Like it was fact. When the World Bank state the nation as a “Low-Income” and the budgets, the domestic revenue and everything else proves it. Maybe the lack of Governor of Bank of Uganda is haunting him. Since, he can now make things up on the spot and make it legit. There will be no push-back from the professionals… We know the MoFPED doesn’t read the papers or look over the numbers before voting on the supplementary budgets. So, the Minister of Finance is far from professional. His just eating and hoping his Permanent Secretary can save his behind.

Well… this is garbage. This is trash. We hope for betterment, but under the self-styled President for Life. I wouldn’t count on it. I would only count on cassava. Peace.

A brief look into Mzee’s State of the Nation Address of 2022…

When you have speaking as much as President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni… there is little wiggle-room or ability to “invent the wheel”. He has said most things and is repeating himself. He is trying to forge narratives and sound epic. I will not look into smaller details, but just outright straight nonsense, which is plenty of. A man who has over 130 Presidential Advisors should have the corrections and the staff to secure the facts. Nevertheless, there is “only one man with a vision” and his always “correct”.

The “correct is a running feature in his speech too. About the “Correct Ideology”, “Correct Pan-Africanist Ideology”, “Correct NRM Policy”, “Correct Strategy” and “Correct Ways” which is just typical of Museveni. Where his always correct and cannot be wrong. He has all the remedies, but ironically never really fixed things or been able to elevate the Republic since 1986.

Here is quotes and breaking down each piece by piece:

Some myopic people, thought that this was sandy ground where the NRM had constructed the house of Uganda. However, the onslaughts to which Uganda has been subjected in the last 2 or 3 years, have proven that the Uganda house the NRM has constructed in the last 60 years, including the preparatory years before 1986, has been built on hard ground, indeed” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

It is really magical how Museveni rewrites history. The NRM wasn’t established in 1962, which is 60 years from today. The NRA was born out of rebellion in 1980. The Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) was born earlier than that and the failure of a campaign in the election. Was a reason for the rebellion and creation of the mentioned NRA. The earliest known body, which people know of and part of was Front for National Salvation (FRONASA). Which dates back to 1971. Therefore, that is far from the vision of NRM back in the day. That’s why I have trouble to see how NRM worked for a better Uganda in 1962 or the 1960s. That’s rewriting history, which should be rebuked.

The NRM was entity, which came into light in 1980 as a rebellious outfit and resulting the prolonged bush-war that lasted to 1986. So, saying that the NRM has constructed a house on a hard ground is foolish. That is a delusion and not legit. That is making historical facts, which cannot be proven and is only a political fiction of the President.

Moreover, the wise man’s house is currently full of surpluses, without too much use of irrigation or the use of fertilizers. In the coming financial years, we are going to intensify the modest efforts we have already started on, in connection with irrigation. With irrigation, we have worked with the private sector to produce solar-powered water pumps that the rich farmers can buy and engage in mini-irrigation, farm by farm. Once the solar powered irrigation pumps are on the market, the Government will buy them for some of the co-operatives or farming villages, where one pump can be shared by a number of small farmers” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

This here will never happen… remember the Village TVs and the other pledges during the two-year lockdowns? Well, non of that has happened. Neither has plenty of the other pledges either. It took decades to ensure local councillors could get bikes or even able to give away garden-hoes to the villages. Therefore, when these things has been impossible and taking decades. This will happen the earliest 2030 or 2040. Museveni will not have the funds, the ability or the manpower to make it happen. That’s why he has praised water-bottle irrigation and other means to develop the agricultural sector. I have a hard time believing that this will happen. It needs a miracle or a generous donor who can foot the bill. Because, the NRM will never do this. Nedda ssevo.

When I met Madame Pinetti, she had no idea about coffee. I, however, could see that she had a wide network of contacts. I asked her to look into coffee. After sometime, she came back with a positive report that it was doable. Therefore, those attacking that project, are supporters of okukenenula, (ekyejwiiso) of Africa – perpetual bleeding. If they were not, they would have responded to our call of 1986 and after, to come forward and add value to coffee and seek government assistance. Instead of attacking the saviour (oyo anataasa), if you are genuine, join the liberation effort. It is criminal for anybody to continue arguing for the continued export of raw-materials in Africa when there is 90% more value in that product that you are giving to outsiders” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

The President thinks his smarter than anyone. Is his the owner of Hawk Limited or what? Why does he cares so much about the company and the coffee processing in the Republic? It makes sense that his invested and is the shadow owner of the company. When he cares so much about it. Because, the deals written between the state and the UVCC is creating a monopoly and taking over the trading of coffee beans. That’s why people wants to block it. The company has no knowledge or any sort of experience in the business either. While others are already working and processing coffee beans. Therefore, the deal in question is made with wrong intentions and illegal too.

It is striking that his so angry and bad tempered like someone stole a candy from a kid. As an old man he should understand this deal or agreements isn’t righteous. That is if he cares about the industry. Instead he thinks he can trick the public and the farmers. However, people can google and thinks leaks. So, the truths are coming out. The Vinci Coffee deal is a disaster… and Museveni should reconsider, but trust me. His greedy, so his trying to soften the blow and ensure he gets the best deal for himself. Which is what an ageing “revolutionary” does…

Another danger to our rapid social-economic transformation is the corruption of political actors and Public servants who do not only steal government money, thereby denying the population the services that money would have provided, but they also parasite on our business people. Business people and investors, do not feel beholden to these parasites. Expose both their requests for bribes and their schemes for frustrating those that do not pay bribes. Action will be taken for the benefit of the business atmosphere in the country” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

This here is the most bogus statement within the National Address… this year and that says a lot. We know that Gilbert Bukenya has no issues, Amama Mbabazi, Jim Muhwezi, Hentry Tumukunde and the list goes on. Corruption and greed is a vital part of the commercialization of politics under Museveni. The kickbacks, envelopes and misuse of power is well known. The President himself vouched for a “Presidential Handshake” not too long ago. So, the President is really caring about this. His earning on corruption himself and his directives is promoting companies that his either getting greased or profiting from. If not, why is Dott Services is so well-known…

Therefore, let all the NRM MPs and other positive elements, rally around the patriotic programme of the NRM that has transformed Uganda from the failed state of 1986, with the economy expanding in size 30 times plus in 30 years, in spite of the endless betrayals by certain elements. Those who cause frictions among the NRM fraternity, should be carefully examined. Why can’t you discuss any matter in non -antagonistic ways. Antagonistic ways only work for the enemy” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

Here the President is speaking about possible “NRM Rebels” which is the most endearing thing that is… because a rebel himself isn’t accepting any rebels. That is the truth about the President and his close associates. They are just supposed to listen and give way. The NRM MPs are just there to sign off and do what the President says. That’s what is “patriotic” and the “correct NRM way” just so you know. That’s why he says this and speaks like this. It is a betrayal to stand-up or even question the “high above”. The ones who don’t know that after all these years have clearly not listened. That is obvious by now. If you dares to challenge or go against him from within… than you are an enemy. Therefore, know what you do and never ever consider that.

This was my takes from the National Address of 2022. Peace.

Opinion: The Speakers have become a Wasteland for Public Expenditure…

“Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, her Deputy Thomas Tayebwa get Shs 2.8billion cars. Prossy Akampurira Mbabazi, the Rubanda District Woman MP, also a parliamentary commissioner, confirmed the procurement of the two luxurious vehicles” (91.2 Crooze FM, 07.06.2022).

“The decision was endorsed by the parliamentary commissioners and money to purchase the Shs2.8billion cars [for the speaker and her Deputy] was approved,” Hon. Prossy Akampurira, the Rubanda District MP, also a parliamentary commissioner” (91.2 Crooze FM, 07.06.2022).

“Parliament has concluded plans to procure official residences for the speaker and the deputy speaker. Inside sources say funds have already been made available for the procurement, though the figures have not been disclosed” (NTV Uganda, 07.06.2022).

The newly elected Speakers of the 11th Parliament has no scruples spending from the state coffers. They are getting new cars, housing and they already has a vast money-pit of allowances, salaries, and perks in office. These two are already high earners but expect to get more for their services or contribution to the state.

You would think these two was running the nation and was the vocal point of it all. Since, they are so well paid off and has such funds to build houses for them as well. They had already cars as MPs and big-big salaries as part of the Parliament. So, it wasn’t like they weren’t well off already. These two had it all and now they want more.

This is what greed looks like and they are doing this amid rising inflation, lacking funds, and showing their ignorance of the plights of the people. The people they represent and works for as speakers to begin with.

These was two ceremonial vehicles and additional housing. When we know they have all the high-end salary, allowances, and other stipulated payments, which makes them rich in office. It is not like these would starve at any minute or be worried about dried out bank-accounts. No, these two would have a pay-day and would be well-off.

This is privilege and the burden of that is on the state coffers. The state covers the expenses and all the costs of the matter. These are luxuries and can only been seen as such. Since, the speakers has a pay and could afford to get a humble abode in Kampala. However, they are now living like royalties and expects to live as such.

That’s why they had to have new ceremonial cars, as the cars bought to fit Oulanyah and Kadaga wasn’t good enough. Now, they are also getting houses paid. It just shows how they can be reckless and spend like it is no tomorrow. It is their turn to eat and it’s evident that they think that way. Because it is like they fear that this opportunity is too good not to get well off from. Peace.

The Rise of the Cassava Republic: The MPs will eat, but not help the general public…

The speaker Among and the members of the parliamentary commission reportedly resolved a salary hike by at least 30% effective the coming financial year of 2022-23. Among argues that the inflation levels are affecting the performance of the lawmakers” (Emmanuel Busingye – ‘Mixed reactions over Among proposal to hike MPs salary’ 02.06.2022, Ekyooto.co.uk).

What is really striking is that the Members of Parliament has issued a possible pay-rise of a total of 193 billion shillings shared among the 555 MPs. If those billions of shillings are shared equally between the MPs than each of them would get an additional 347 million shillings each. That is happening while the rising inflation and commodity prices are hard for people to handle.

The public are not getting any direct incentive or help with the basic commodity prices. The President has told people to eat cassava and live within their means. While the MPs are collecting more money and they have already huge wages. The MPs has free vehicles, salaries, paid per plenary session and whatnot. Therefore, they have already more than plenty and not lacking in anything.

While others has to contemplate to buy soaps, cooking oil or petrol. There are so many other things that is hit by inflation and rising prices, which affects the households. The livelihoods and salaries of the ordinary worker isn’t being stipulated. Neither is the state doing anything in concern to targeted taxes, levies or ensuring the population can afford it.

So, now that this is happening, the lawmakers and the ones who can help the population with it’s needs. Are more concerned about their added expenses, but they already earn millions of shillings and live large on the public expenditure. The public are not even getting cents on a dollar or any sort of push in the hardships they are facing.

The President told people to eat cassava and skip bread. That just shows what sort of mechanism and lack of concern that is on the top. The elite and the MPs are not feeling it or are unbothered. They don’t care if they are vouching for money and topping off more expenditure. The State House has already additional supplementary funds and now the same is scheduled for the MPs. They are all living outside their means and has vast pockets filled by the state coffers.

The public is really being played around with and only of value in a election. The rest of the time the state doesn’t pay them no mind. If civil servants or people paid by state coffers like health care workers strikes… the MPs and Ministers speaks of mass-firing and axe their jobs. That’s because the workers cannot even pay electrics or the pay to get to work with their salaries. While the same folks in chambers of power has no scruples giving millions of shilling in addition to their bountiful payments, which they will have for years. Therefore, the double standard and hypocrisy is out in the open.

The MPs are worried about the rising prices and lack of value for money. While the Ministries and MPs are not covering the health care workers, teachers or local government civil servants. No, they have to make it on the own. These have to live on measly salaries and hope to get by. Meanwhile convoys of big-men and MPs are driving in SUVs through town. They are acting as big-shots and of vast importance, but they are not doing anything substantial. Because, if they did anything that did matter. They would look after the poor, the starving and the ones who cannot afford a bar of soap. However, they are disinterested in doing that and would only give away a bar of soap if there is a by-election or something.

So, the MPs doesn’t care and clearly Besigye’s “Wake-Up Call” is needed. Because, the gentlemen and ladies of the Parliament won’t bat an eyelid. They don’t care and neither does the State House. That is the revolution that Museveni brought, which was “our time to eat”. Peace.

Opinion: Honourable Minister, 10.6 Billion shillings isn’t wired by an error…

Finance Minister Matia Kasaijja has admitted to irregularly paying out 10.6 billion shillings through a supplementary budget to six people as compensation for land that was taken over by the central government. However, the Minister told Members of Parliament that the then Lands Minister who is now the Inspector General of Government Beti Kamya did not have the powers to initiate the supplementary budget on behalf of the Uganda Land Commission” (NTV Uganda, 31.05.2022).

Finance Minister Matia Kasaija has admitted that the UGX 10.5 billion that was released to compensate land claimants was done in error” (NBS Television, 31.05.2022).

This is how not to run a government and wasting public funds. The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) are in-charge of the budgets and financing of the state. That’s why there should the grown-ups and technocrats who ensure the safety of every single transaction, also that the designation of votes on spending is correct and finally properly financed by domestic revenue. However, asking for that… is too much to ask.

This is not a direct error or a mistake, but a calculated risk to pay-off either someone or somebody. Because, nobody gets billions of shillings on their account by a mistake. Unless, the Minister and the MoFPED are so inept and so scrupulous that it has done this. Now his just claiming an error…

That is troublesome affair. Elsewhere, this would make an inquiry, committee report and the Minister would be suspended. Since he cannot function, act within protocols or the due diligence before processing the transactions in question. Because, there should be safety-nets, vouching for the payments or transactions before they are going out. So, that more than one person is checking if the accounts, the people receiving is correct and within the means of Ministry or Government institution in question. However, that is clearly too much to ask.

Minister Kasaija has failed in his duties, the same has the Permanent Secretaries and anyone allowing the transactions to go. The receivers are not at fault. That is the MoFPED and the ones who allowed it. There was people signing it up on it and allowing it. Therefore, the losses and the expenditure happened.

This is 10 billion shillings spent wrongly and dubious transactions, which should be a warning sign of how not to operate. However, this is just the ice-berg of what is happening. Since, if they can do this with 10 billion shillings and they are in-charge of trillions upon trillions of shillings. That’s why people should be worried what else is happening behind closed doors.

The Minister shouldn’t just call it an error, but it is a systemic default. It is a system and protocols which isn’t mattering at this point. If due diligence or procedures was followed. This shouldn’t have occurred in the first place. However, they didn’t care and could get away with it….

That’s why this is just a reflection of how the MoFPED and the NRM values money. There is no value of money, but only reckless spending without no thought about tomorrow. Peace.

Opinion: The beast of Kagame and Museveni haunts Nord-Kivu province to this day

The Mouvement du Mars 23 (M23) re-insurgency this year is now hurting the province of Nord Kivu. In such a manner, that Kinshasa is calling Kigali and ensuring the allies of M23 is getting into hot-water. Therefore, the way of things are going. Sooner or later the President of the Republic would need to either cease communications with the neighbours or hold direct dialogue with them.

That means that President Felix Tshisekedi has to decide if he wants to talk to Rwandan President Paul Kagame or Ugandan President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni. Because, the M23 is a beast of the past, which is revived now and then. Former President Joseph Kabila did that when he needed insurgency to block elections and stop opportunities for “peace”. While siphoning the funds of the military operations into their own pockets in Kinshasa. So, people can move the argument of the sudden rise of M23 of late to either thing really.

We know that the M23 historically has ties to Kigali and Kampala. To say otherwise is a lie. Both parties and governments has been connected to them. Rwandan and Ugandan sponsored proxy-militias within the Kivu Provinces isn’t anything new either. There been plenty of outfits and warlords who has sufficiently been trained and armed by the comrades in Kigali or Kampala.

So, we know that Kagame and Museveni knows the game. They have been here for decades and has vast knowledge of warfare within the DRC. Their respective armies and proxies has fought within the DRC since the 1990s. They went to overthrow Mobutu Sese Seko and never really left… they just changed names and found means to profit of the plight, suffering and mass-death of the region. That’s what they have done and the blood is on their names.

That’s why when the likes of M23 resurfaces and the questions of whose behind it comes at once. This is because of the past aggressions and interference in DRC’s internal affairs. The M23 is just the most amplified and the militia that is hitting the news. There is plenty of Maï-Maï, FDLR and other outfits, which are sponsored and helped from across the borders. Which also inflict damage, pain and suffering in the Kivu provinces. Therefore, the knowledge of this… is well known and these sorts of things are now coming home to roost.

Kagame and Museveni has had their hands into it. They have enjoyed the perks and the spoils of the insurgencies in the DRC. The DRC has been a profitable enterprise and the illegal exploits has earned them vast Forex-Exchange and capital. It has been a way of creating industries and all jack-of-trades, which minerals and other resources that has given them an edge. While their armies has ensured training, arms and possibly recruits within their territories. That is something that has occurred and is still prevalent to this day.

M23 could be sponsored directly by Kigali these days. M23 could be sponsored by Kampala these days. That is just a mere option and no one would bat an eye over this. The former UN Experts Reports and the origin says enough. The way both parties has accepted previous combatants and cantonment within their borders. That’s why when they resurface and causes new insurgencies. You know they are involved and allowed it to happen somehow. Because, they just don’t dip out across the border and start fighting out of nowhere. Neither does they have ammunition and weapons to do that as well. Especially, when they were supposed to be peaceful and leave their rebellious ways. However, that was just buying time and awaiting their operation within the DRC.

That’s why the ghosts, the beasts of old is returning. This is why the eyes are turning towards Kigali and Kampala as the deaths and internally displaced people’s are on the rise. The endless conflict, which are inserted and supported from afar is very evident. The bullets and skirmishes continues too. While the region suffers as a consequence. The big-men are playing war-games and the civilians are forced in the middle. That’s the sinister plot of all of this. The big-men are playing and issuing their next meal. While the public are either living in fear, uncertainty or in refugee. As their homes, villages and territories are violated by a militia, yet again. A militia that has foreign backers and big-bank to fund their bloodshed. All done for the power of money and possible resources, which they cannot have access at back-home. Peace.

Omoro County By Election: Return Form for Transmission of Results (26.05.2022)

Omoro County By-Election: The lessons of the “victory” of the Son of Jacob

The preliminary results are that National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag-bearer Andrew Ojok Oulanyah is projected to win. That will unlikely not change and the opposition will loose the chance to retake the seat, as the NRM retain it yet again. This is not shocking, because of how the state operates and uses the machinery for their advantage.

The NRM and the ruling regime uses all techniques possibly to win. They are using their appointed local leaders, national secretariat and government institution to serve their candidacy. This being the army, the police or any other sort of “help” for a push of their candidate. The Residential District Commander and the Regional Police Commander both will coordinate and fight for the NRM flag-bearer. Therefore, there is little left to chance or option to object to the one favoured by the state.

The ones who are canvassing and working for candidates of the opposition is naturally in danger of arrest, kidnap and kept incommunicado until the “victory” is sealed. This happened here and the soldiers will make people bounce. The county had road-blocks to stop people from entering and blocking “strangers” from entering. Meaning, anyone who could sway opinion or gain interests for anything, which wasn’t NRM isn’t allowed by definition.

The whole affair and polls just shows how important bribes, voter tourism and intimidation is to win at this stage. The NRM cannot pull or win with honest intentions. No, they have to rig it and block the opposition. They have to use force and be ill-willed. This is just the nature of things and the beasts are all out to play. The victims, the opposition or the ones associated with them are the targets. That’s their price of playing and participating in these elections. Even if the opposition plays by the rules or regulations, the goal-post changes and the authorities are using all excuses to go after them.

That’s why NRM can use government vehicles, institutions and appointees to secure their candidate gets elected. The soldiers and police officers will play out for their orders too. There is nothing that isn’t accessible for them and they uses all means to get there.

The by-election county looks like a war-zone. The Electoral Commission can put in guidelines, but the NRM don’t have to follow them. These are put out to limit the opposition and not for the ruling regime. Because, they can electioneer, rig and use violence to win. That’s what they do and they are proud of it too. Even if the election isn’t legit or the result isn’t transparent with the will of the people. Since, it has all been a game and it was rigged before the people stepped into the polling station to vote.

That’s why the NRM is a sorry state of itself. A place that used to have the Regional Party Vice-President of the NRM, the former Speaker who used to be the fourth high ranking official of the Republic. Still, in that constituency which the father won in 2011, 2016 and 2021. Even with that… the Son of Jacob needed all powers and all the help he could to get across the finish-line. It is not easy when you use all of this to get elected.

We are seeing that the Son of Jacob is happy about the result and becoming the winner. However, he should be concerned about how it happened. The whole system was on his side and there was no mercy served. It was a systemic brutality and usage of force to retain the seat. There was nothing in it showing a free and fair election. That is very obvious… therefore, it is false start to proclaim grandeur and solidify victory.

Ojok Oulanyah should know that he got elected not by the will of the people, but by the force of the gun. If that’s how he wants to be a representative and be known for. That’s his choice, as he got bills to pay and got a mansion to finish after his late father. So, most likely he doesn’t care, because he secures the continuation of his fathers legacy. However, he will also not be fondly remembered by all. As people have been scarred, taken into custody and been arranged by the authorities for just doing their mission for their candidates. That shouldn’t be the case, but is what went down in Omoro county.

The NRM cannot speak of being a nationwide party, when they operate like an army with a political wing. That’s how it looks like in these sorts of by-elections. Not looking like a strong or a popular people’s party, but an army with political figureheads. Peace.

Oromo County By-Election: Mass-Arrests of MPs, Polling Agents and Low-Voter Turn Out

Voting in the Omoro County by-election continues with low voter turn-up at most polling stations. Over 38,000 voters are expected to cast their ballots in a bid replace former MP & Speaker Jacob Oulanyah who died in March this year” (Daily Monitor, 26.05.2022).

It is clearly not all rosy at the polls of the Omoro County. That’s because of the usage of authorities and state machinery to gain advantage. That’s why the polling agents are arrested and the coordinators of the main opposition is out of play. This is deliberate acts to ensure the counting and the ballots are cast in darkness. As there is only government friendly polling agents and such in the area.

As reported by several media houses:

Police have cut off the Omoro Central Police Station after the arrest of NUP agents as well as MP, David Kalwanga. The police say that the arrested were conducting themselves in a manner contrary to the guidelines issued by the EC” (94.3 QFM Lira, 26.05.2022).

Leader of Opposition in Parliament Mathias Mpunga, NUP Secretary-General Lewis Rubongoya and other NUP party members are currently at Gulu Police Station after some of their members and agents in the ongoing Omoro by-election were arrested” (NBS Television, 26.05.2022).

Security personnel have arrested Chua West Member of Parliament Philip Okin Ojara and three other members of the FDC party in Omoro District. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, revealed that security personnel raided the FDC office in Opit Town Council before violently arresting Okin” (Baba TV Uganda, 26.05.2022).

Police has arrested several people in the ongoing Omoro by-election. According to the Police

spokesperson Aswa region ASP Ongom David said: We have intelligence that there are organised people with the intention of disorganizing this election” (Gugudde TV Uganda, 26.05.2022).

We should be worried that the authorities are using these tactics. That just shows that they cannot trust the voters and their choices. As they don’t want to have oversight or accountability for their actions.

We can anticipate the Special Forces Command (SFC) to put all the pressure on the pressure-cooker and ensure the results are boiled in favour of Andrew Ojok Oulanyah. That is all we can await for. The state has put all their prestige into it and wants to secure the Seat for the Son of Jacob.

Instead of having an honest, free and fair elections. The polls and the day of the by-election is marred with police brutality and use of force. That is not how you run trusted polls, but electioneer in favour of the ruling regime.

There is reports of kidnapping and keeping mobilizers and polling agents taken away in the polls ahead of the final hours of the vote. That is just proving that the regime don’t even want to try to conceal their actions to secure the result in their favour. Peace.