Opinion: Otafiire is the blind leading the blind….

It is a shame for Pentecostal Church ministers calling yourselves bishops and other names when a big group of your followers are in poverty. I hear that even pastors stop people from going to hospitals, which is so bad because science works together with God” (…) “If you are a leader, in a country like Uganda that has all the natural resources and still people cannot afford to have three meals a day, it means there is a big problem, but to my surprise, some of you are proud because you are leading people who are even infected with jiggers” (…) “Let people worship their own God so long as they follow the laws. Stop internal fights because for us who are not frequent church goers, we have failed to understand what to follow. When you are involved in wars even with other religions, this will not only affect you, but also the development of this great nation” – Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire (Milton Bandiho – ‘Otafiire: Pentecostal churches keeping the faithful poorer’ 17.05.2022, Daily Monitor).

It is really strange that a Minister and Maj. Gen. who has gone through the ranks and had a life-long career in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to say this in 2022. The man has been a commander and a minister over the last few decades. Heck, his been a Member of Parliament for much of it too. Maj. Gen. Otafiire has been a high ranking official and been appointed to offices of importance for years.

Otafiire is one of the reason why the state isn’t moving forward or getting better. It is his government and the policies his promoting on a daily basis, which is a reason for continued poverty. Yes, the pastors, the leaders of church and clerics should be worried and not only be pastrepreneurs. They should teach the gospel and also help their communities. Not only collecting tithes or donations from their congregations, but use those money to help the ones in need and have projects in the community they are a part of, which plenty of churches does. Therefore, Otafiire should know about that and look into his own acts.

Because, he spoke about this to pastors, priests and the likes. I will take a passage from the book of Luke, which seems fitting for the current state of mind of Maj. Gen. Otafiire.

The Bible says:

37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

39 He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (The Bible – New International Version, Luke 6: 37-42).

Why do I use this scripture today? Well, Otafiire is judging the pastors and priests with contempt. His judging their actions, but his forgetting his own role in it all. To make matters worse is that he could have ensured that there wouldn’t be any poverty or lesser extent himself. For years in office and as a high ranking official he could have forwarded policies, budget posts and whatnot to make a difference.

We only knows that the NRM produces wasteful and lack-of-accountability get-rich-quick-schemes which goes nowhere and only enriches the men on the top. The elites are eating and the poor are starving. That’s how the NRM is operating… while promising to secure people’s future and steady progress. However, nothing ceases to move and no real advances is in the republic. Development projects are stalled, made for wrong purposes or cash-cows for the developers. While the farmers, the added value projects aren’t living up to it’s promises. That’s why him telling this to the pastors, priests and clerics is a bit out of touch.

Otafiire can say and speak ill of the leadership of the churches, that they are taking advantage and being greedy. Some might are using their congregations and churchgoers as a means-to-an-end. However, the same is what the state does to every single citizen. As the state is using the citizens and their poverty to get grants, loans and development funds to cover it’s shortfalls in its bloated budgets.

Otafiire should be concerned how the government he has been a part of much of his life haven’t helped the poor or given them a chance to get out of it. The Maj. Gen. should be shocked that with all this time and opportunities the state haven’t been capable or fixed the policies to ensure a better tomorrow. Nevertheless, that has never happened and with the NRM at the helm… it never will be.

That is why these lectures from Otafiire is insulting. As he has sit by the side of the throne for decades. He has been eating, entitled and enriched himself. Otafiire and the likes are enjoying all the perks of life and can easily access health-care services abroad. While the likes he speaks too cannot even afford Panadol to cure headaches. Therefore, he should ask himself what he could do and what sort of office he serves. As he has power and influence to make a difference, but he chooses not too. Peace.

Opinion: OO’s defence of Muhoozi is pointless…

The government spokesperson and forever lingering subject of the Republic, Ofwono Opondo dropped a piece recently on Uganda Media Centre called: “MUHOOZI KAINERUGABA AND THE TINGLING POLITICAL FLAMES”. This piece is written like it’s still up in the air and in the open what the plan is. Like there haven’t been a “Project Muhoozi” and the machinery is behind his candidacy, even before he get dusted or even tested. That is evident, as his one of the owners and part of the inner-circle by definition of birth, rank and title at this very moment.

Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba is on the rise and is most definitely aiming for his fathers throne. As he speaks of winning the hearts, minds and all of the Republic. His brash and arrogant stances in combination with promises of a political program. Just shows how he intends to stand and be next in line. That’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs have talked of a rebrand of the party to National Progressive Movement (NPM) and the NRM Youth League has already endorsed him. So, everything is on the table and it up in the open.

That’s why it’s striking that OO writes this: “Muhoozi’s admirers, who seem spread countrywide, and calculating possible windfalls, argue that the ‘MK movement’ is spontaneous although many people disagree and insist it’s well-calculated to give it a veneer of legitimacy so as to shield him from accusations of disregarding the constitutional provision which bars serving UPDF soldiers from involvement in open politics” (OO, 08.05.2022).

OO is writing like they are building up a momentum of sorts. That there is sort of organic traction to Muhoozi, which there is not. It is all artificial and OO knows that. It is within reason to be suspicious and question the legitimacy. When one man has held office since 1986 and suddenly in 2022 his son is aspiring to takeover. That is not organic or by the popularity of public opinion. This is another hostile takeover and not a peaceful transition. It is just a mere change of faces within the family and is suited for a monarchy, but not an elected position.

As OO continues later on: “The birthday carnival involving sports activities and merrymaking at venues across Uganda are indicative of latent mobilization which he has said is unstoppable. On his twitter account, Muhoozi has taunted his haters to watch the unfolding events saying “The enemies fought us for so long! They abused me with every name they could find! Now they can’t believe we have taken over the country! We will not stop until we are in complete control!” There’s no doubt, that Muhoozi, a disciplined professional soldier of repute, on his own merit, attracts great attention, and could as well upset the political alignment should he join the fray” (OO, 08.05.2022).

Well, the birthdays, the marathon and everything else is handled by paid performers and inner-circle officials. This is state sanctioned enterprises, which is reflected by the attendance and the need for free food and concerts to get people to show up. This is half-baked rallies to establish Muhoozi as a viable candidate and an aspiring as such. As his soon ticking 50 years old and still haven’t held any office or been active to prove himself. His only gotten advanced in the army and within the State House, because his the First Son of the President.

OO further says: “The widespread perception until evidence is adduced, is that Muhoozi, a serving officer, contrary to the Constitution and laws governing UPDF, is getting involved in what appears to be open politics and not being called to order. Muhoozi and many supporters present their acclaim as a generational shift to save the NRM revolution from decay among the restless young people who constitute over seventy percent of Uganda’s population whose aspirations aren’t being met” (OO, 08.05.2022).

Here is where OO must take people for fools. When everything is up for grabs. Everything is aligned and prepared for it. It is also very unique that a man close to his fifties is speaking and is tie to the youth. While all of his work is being an avenger and a man of ruthless violence. There is nothing in the past of Muhoozi, which is family friendly or of the sorts of peaceful mind. No, he comes to conquer, to destroy and avenge his father. That’s what he does with brutal results.

So, saying Muhoozi represents a generational shift… it is at least one lost generation plus the ones that is growing up today, because of his fathers lingering leadership. The lack of progress and regress is systemic. A part which Muhoozi a part of and is responsible for keeping alive. Muhoozi isn’t a voice of a new generation or of the decaying youth of the Republic. No, his just a continuation of his father with predetermined entitlement and arrogance.

The most ironic part was this: “There is need for NRM cadres to reinvigorate a culture of spirited debates in the marketplace of ideas because open criticism has declined, while obscurantism and dirty tricks become the dominant face of NRM politics. In this vision, ideological and intellectual exchanges should be unencumbered by personal attacks, harsh judgment, need for self-preservation or risk of occupational hazards. The main objective should be to preserve freedom of inquiry. Many leaders in NRM today seem more focused on curbing disagreements within and outside than finding and pursuing a principled ideological correct line to serve NRM and public interest. At the start of 11th parliament in 2021, NRM took its MPs-elect to the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi for an orientation in liberation ideology, patriotism, commitment to national duties, political discipline, and humility in leadership” (OO, 08.05.2022).

The party of which is bound by the decree and orders from it’s chairman and the head of state. That one is supposed to get a new culture of spirited debates. The party of which all rebels and all dissenting voices has either been muted, banned or thrown out. The party that goes after the opposition with violence, pre-emptive arrests, torture and extra judicial killing. That party will suddenly become an open forum of ideas?

Who is OO kidding here? Not me… maybe a few gullible fellows who is sitting sideways on the porch. While the rest of us knows the gist. Muhoozi isn’t a man of free speech. Muhoozi isn’t a man of honour or bravery. No, his a man of brutality and an onslaught of violence. That sort of man will not come in peace and offer a new beginning. That isn’t happening. His not that kind… the leopard doesn’t change it’s spots. This is why the President called himself the “Leopards Anus” and said no one should “touch” him. Therefore, we are supposed to believe this? Now? After 36 years of the stalemate and one-man politicking? That his son will change that?

The ones who believe that must be deluded. The Lt. Gen. has been aspiring and wanting to takeover from his father. It wouldn’t be without a reason the Red Pepper and Daily Monitor closure for a week in 2013 and the exile of Gen. David Sejusa over nothing. That’s because this has been planned and is coordinated. Now the state and the government spokesperson tries to deflect and downplay it.

While it’s all in the open and the man itself is showing his plan on Twitter. His using social media to gain attention and show where he stands. If it is by the bullet or by the bible, which at times seems like both. However, hallow or shallow the faith is or as we all know.. that he swears to the gun and presumably prays for solace in church. Peace.

National Resistance Movement (NRM): NRM Youth League endorsement of Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba (11.05.2022)

Joint Communique on the Occassion of the State Visit to Uganda by Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, 10th – 11th May 2022 (10.05.2022)

Opinion: Muhoozi will not save you…

I hate to be the messenger, but someone has to say it first: Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba will not save you…

Like father like son. He might tell stories, promise elaborate things and promise change. However, don’t count on it. His an arrogant, anger-filled, short-tempered and fierce individual. Who has run his maverick rise in the ranks of the army. An avenger of the father and not a man of mercy.

Muhoozi will not make things better. Only for self justification and enrichment. His self indulged and has been brought up in luxury. He haven’t had the need or the probabilities of hardships. He has maybe had hard times in military schools in the United States and North Korea. Still, that is nothing compared to the peasants and the civilian living from hand-to-mouth. The gig-economy is saving nobody and is only pleasurable for the elites.

When the lack of charisma and lack of honour approaches. You know that a man of this sort of character will bring no good. The only reason his name is at play and is regarded, is because of his family ties and the political dynasty his a part of. Not like he has build bridges, captured hearts or been a revolutionary of any sort of capacity.

His just a soldier showing that he wants to join politics. His a Lt. Gen. who wants to get taken serious and outside of the bounds of the army. He wants to be seen as the successor of his father. Nevertheless, the gig is the gig and you cannot trade that away.

It is said to be lonely at the top, but in some respects this man is at the bottom. His maybe a high ranking official and a Lt. Gen, but the public cannot trust him. The time as the commander of the Special Forces Command he shown his merciless attack on civilians. The SFC has been used to torture, detain and kill. His totally ruthless and that hasn’t changed a single bit. The burning destruction of Kasese and the recent escapades in Karamoja. Only shows he lacks heart and soul, because lives doesn’t count, unless it’s himself or his dear wife.

Muhoozi will never be beloved. His just one of them. One of them men who will kill, destroy and be a brute. There is nothing good about him. At least not what the naked eye can see. His just the epitome of everything wrong with this regime. As he come in huge convoys, expects bottle-service and the finest wines. He participate only with the rich business-men and influential musicians. Alas, his not a man of the people, but just another racketeering soldier wishing to be crowned king.

That’s who he is. He might not say or spell it out. Nevertheless, we know this and should say it. Since he will not be held to account or take any sort accountability for his actions. No, he will no shed tears or mourn the lives his taken. Neither will he repent for the damage, the pain and the suffering he caused to civilians. No, he expect the same people to dance, sing and praise the grounds he steps on.

Muhoozi will never be a proper gentlemen or a statesman. He doesn’t have it in him. This man cannot even fake it or shield his brutal past. No, his a gun-slinger and a vicious man who rather destroy someone, than building them up. That’s who he is and it’s so obvious.

That’s why his wearing the fatigue and hoping people find endearing. Alas, it is not… it’s just the hypocrisy and the levels of intimidation he brings. Because, he know there is no love lost… since there was nothing there to begin with. Peace.

Uganda: FEWS NET projected food security levels as stressed in the Greater Northern Region and a crisis in Karamoja

Staple food prices have continued to increase in recent months and are higher than prices recorded last year and five-year average levels across most of Uganda. Prices of staple sorghum and maize are now significantly above average in several key reference markets across the country. In Karamoja, terms of trade for sorghum against firewood, charcoal, and goats are below average and worse than last year, significantly restricting food access for poor households. After the first season bimodal harvest in June/July, food prices are expected to decline but are now expected to remain above average given expectations for below-average production, increased net exports, and impacts of the war in Ukraine on global supply chains and prices” (FEWS NET, 06.05.2022).

The Cassava Republic is getting hit hard by not only the rising commodity prices, but the weather. The agricultural production will be slowed down and that will hurt the farmers of the regions in the Northern Uganda and in the Karamoja sub-region. That is very evident and FEWS NET together with the World Food Programme is clearly having an oversight here. This here should worry the state, as it has targeted and had a military operation in Karamoja. Which is not mentioned here, but the burning region of Karamoja isn’t having a better times ahead of it. To the contrary things are only getting worse.

The Cassava Republic is also hit with an impactful war, which is not only hitting the exports of wheat, but in general. That’s why prices of commodities will go up and has gone up over the last year. Things are not getting better there either. Just read the quote below, which is a continuation of the first quote from FEWS NET on the matter.

In general, prices of food and non-food commodities have increased notably since late 2021. The main driving factors include rising transportation costs due to increasing fuel prices, seasonally declining market stocks, and reduced production prospects from the upcoming first season harvest following below average rainfall. More recently, impacts of the Russia-Ukraine crisis have driven further fuel price increases and increased the rate of general inflation of food and non-food commodities, further reducing household purchasing power. In March, retail prices of maize grain and sorghum increased farther above five-year average levels. Retail prices of beans and cassava generally remained below average in March, though prices of beans increased by 9-20 percent across monitored markets from February to March” (FEWS NET, 06.05.2022).

Here is the worrying statement:

However, rising food prices will likely result in some higher selling prices for famers, increasing access to income for those with near average production. For pastoralist households, pasture and water availability is expected to improve in May given the forecast of above-average rainfall. Overall, most households in bimodal areas are expected to access sufficient food and income to meet their essential food and non-food needs, with Minimal (IPC Phase 1) outcomes expected to persist at the area level throughout the projection period. However, given revised expectations for a third consecutive below-average production season as well as rising prices of food and non-food commodities including fuel, Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes are now expected to persist throughout much of northern Uganda for the majority of the projection period. In Karamoja, availability of food and income is expected to remain seasonally limited as the lean season progresses. Given delays in the agricultural season, the lean season is now expected to last through July, longer than usual by about three weeks. During this time, insecurity is likely to continue constraining limiting income-earning, including from livestock production and sales. When schools reopen for the new term in early May, households will likely experience some improved food consumption due to WFP’s food and nutrition programming for school children, including school meals, take-home rations, and supplementary food for households with malnourished children. However, food prices are expected to continue increasing through around June until the harvest from bimodal areas begins to boost market supplies, with an increasing number of poor households likely to face consumption gaps and Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes during this time. Though some seasonal price declines are expected following this, prices are expected to remain above average. For many poor Karamoja households, below-average purchasing power will continue constraining access to food from market purchases. Around August/September, the start of harvesting in Karamoja is expected to support improved access to food from own consumption and income from crop sales and reduce the number of households facing consumption gaps, though Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are expected to persist at the area level even during the post-harvest period. Overall, widespread Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are now expected to persist through at least September, with worst-affected households facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes” (FEWS NET, 06.04.2022).

We are seeing changes and the next coming months will be impactful to say the least. As the farmers and everyone else will struggle. There will be lack of food and a distress in some parts of the Republic, but it can become really dire in Karamoja. The Karamoja where the army has attacked, burned villages and gone after the citizens. That’s where things are getting worse and where they will have a terrible food insecurity to the levels of crisis. They can possibly get into Emergency, which should worry anyone. This just really speaks of how the state is failing its citizens and things are not getting any better.

The state should act upon this and think of safeguards. Nevertheless, don’t think they will. They rather send more soldiers and have more birthday bashes for Muhoozi. Than being concerned with the lack of food or ability to plough their fields. No, the state is more busy scheming and enterprising for their own. That’s why this sort of news needs to be spread. Because, the citizens of Karamoja and the Greater North will be hurt by this. That is the message from FEWS NET and it should be heard. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni asks the MPs to serve, but he himself won’t do the same

When you have a leadership role you are a trustee, so you should know that the country does not belong to Members of Parliament. It belongs to the people and other workers of the country” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni, (05.05.2022)

For a man that took the power by the gun. A man who runs a government because of the army, authorities and inciting fear into men. That a man like that is lecturing the Members of Parliament (MPs) of how to serve and a representative is really outrageous. Especially, when we know that this man could never win an election in a free and fair manner. He has to rig it and use the state machinery to get ahead.

The man that needed several of coup d’etat’s in from 1979 to 1986 to become the President and the Head of State. The man who suspended elections for a decade. The man who waited another decade and two referendums to give the public the option of multi-party elections. The man who changed the Constitution twice to make him President for Life. That man is talking about serving and about putting the country first. Do you believe it?

A man like that is self-serving and we know that very well. He has actually said it in snippets now and then. So, he can be a self-serving individual, but the MPs are bound by their offices. Actually, the lecture could be put on himself, but we know his a hypocritical individual and would never be bound by anything himself. That’s why he pins others, but not himself.

Here is a few quotes over the years, that differs from today’s statement:

It doesn’t matter, because I am not working for… I am working for myself. I am not working for other people. I am working for… my grandchildren; my children” (Museveni, November 2015).

I am a freedom fighter, that is what I do. I don’t do it because I am your servant, I’m not your servant. I am just a freedom fighter, I am fighting for myself or my beliefs. That’s how I come in, I’m not an employee” (Museveni, 26.01.2017)

When Pontius Pilate ordered for the crucifixion of Jesus, it was because people were shouting. I’m not Pontius Pilate, I cannot condone a wrong just because people are shouting, first of all I’m not working for you but for someone else, a much higher authority” (Museveni, 08.10.2020).

What is striking is that he can work for his own family and not an employee. He can tell how the MPs should act and be representative of the people. However, we know that he see himself above that. That is very evident and not shocking.

We know that he has high regard for himself, that his the only man with a vision and is the centre of the universe. We know that he see himself as the King of Kings. That is just what he thinks of himself and that’s why he differs on his role or office as President. However, the MPs are bestowed to the people. While we know he believes his above that. Therefore, there is a correlational that doesn’t make sense. As his office is a public office just like theirs.

Museveni speaks with real disingenuous sense today. When we know what he believes himself. We know that the MPs should feel obligated to serve their constituents. Yes, the MPs should be representatives and not big-men. However, he act like Monarch and they follow the leader. So, his words are pointless. When we can follow him all through the years and see the self-serving leadership he runs. That’s why the entourage around him is family members and nepotism is running wild.

So, Museveni can lie, but that doesn’t make it true. The sentiment he states is correct, but we know he lives another life. That is hypocrisy and it should be called out for. He should be held accountable, but no one dares and on one does. If you do… you can forget having a seat or being an honourable in the near future. The regime will end you and they will come with vengeance. Peace.

Opinion: Ssemujju Nganda have forgot who owns the county

Hon. Ssemujju Nganda has asked the Prime Minister to find a compound for the First Family so that they can stop packing military trucks in the middle of the road. “We have roads in Kololo but these days when coming to Parliament, there are trucks that seal the roads when the president is having meetings, even the KCCA roads near Nakasero State House. Maybe we should procure a compound for the president because if it’s not……him, it’s the wife or son. I use the banks in Kololo and sometimes I go without money for a whole week.”~Ssemujju” (Parliament Watch, 05.05.2022).

We know this and heard about this for ages. The road-blocks and the “Green Truck Alerts” says it all. That has been heard around the globe. It should be worldwide now. Those pictures of army trucks and road-blocks are now so common that it would be shocking if it didn’t happen.

That the First Family is used to special treatment is also ordinary. The are the epitome of VIP and “High Above”. We know that the President is driving in a huge convoy. The same does his cabinet and all the high ranking officials.

When there is National Resistance Movement (NRM) have a Caucus or moved the Parliament to Kololo the roads have been blocked. Every national event, last 1st May Parade and the Birthday Bash Marathon. The roads was blocked as well. Soon, the state shouldn’t only make a compound for the “High Above” convoy. No, it should build a separate road-network for the “high above” and his huge “entourage” because they are causing traffic problems.

The roads of Kampala wasn’t built for this and neither was the roads around Kololo. There should be done studies and ensure the needs are met. Since, it has become a place of importance. Not only for swearing-in the President every 5 years, but for all sorts of speeches and big ceremonies. That’s why there is a need for a better road congestion and planning. This has certainly never happened by the Ministry of Transport and Works (MoTW), neither the Minister of Kampala or the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). We can rest assure that the state has never ordered Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) or City Hall to study it either. Because, the plights of the city dwellers or citizens in the capital doesn’t matter that much. Its more important to have a televised speech, than making the city liveable as that happens.

With this in mind… the President is in his might expected to stop all business and roads in-and-around Kololo or from Central Business District or Nakasero Hill. No, the NRM doesn’t care and they are not concerned of the costs of the road-blocks. Neither are day concerned about the Presidential Convoys or any other High Ranking Official. They are driving like they have no rules, they have police, ambulances, army vehicles, police and everyone else following them. It is like a motorized village hitting the road and only missing a chef or pastry chef ensure the VIP get more than cassava when arriving at the end of destination.

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) MP Nganda Ssemujju knows the First Family acts like owners and so does their court. The others are just to obey and follow orders. So, he did really challenge them here. He knows that nothing will happen. Just like with every preposition and whatnot to make things work. Because, the state isn’t interested in that, unless there is coins and profits for the first family. That’s just the sad reality of how things are working these days.

The convoys and road-blocks will continue to be an issue. The roads and the traffic jams will be a re-occurrent feature of the nearby area. That is just the price of the flamboyant acts of the President and his inner-circle. Peace.

Omoro County By-Election: The battle-lines is getting drawn ahead of the polls…

 

Since the late speaker Jacob Oulanyah died in Seattle, United States of America there has been a vacant seat in the 11th Parliament. When the news of his demise and death came to the forefront. There was not only a play for who would succeed him as the Speaker, but who would takeover his seat as well.

This is the first time in a while since a National Resistance Movement MP died in office. The last time there was an assassination of Ibrahim Abiriga in the 10th Parliament. That election became a violent and a horrid affair. The late speaker won the seat in 2006 and never looked back. He was the incumbent and it became his seat. Now, this will be opening up.

Here is the vital news from the candidacies in the race. While there is no news about the Independents that ran in the 2021 General Election who lost to Oulanyah. These have not returned for now. We have to wait who the Electoral Commission is putting on the ballots, but the parties are ushering in their candidates.

This is the reports for now and then two rumours in the end…

The DP:

The Democratic Party DP has pulled out of the Omoro County parliamentary by-election. The move came shortly after Godwin Okello a DP aspirant withdrew his candidature from the race on Tuesday. Okello was the only aspirant who publicly expressed interest to vie for the position under DP after the electoral commission announce a vacancy in the constituency last month” (Capital FM Uganda, 05.05.2022).

The FDC:

We unveil Mr Owani Denis Dickson as our flag bearer for Omoro county in the upcoming parliamentary by-election and Ms Ayo Mercy as our flag bearer -District Councilor for Lalogi/Lakwaya Subcounties Our structured campaign will be coordinated by Hon. O’Jara PP. Okin the Member of Parliament for Chua West” (Forum for Democratic Change, 29.04.2022).

The Justice Forum (JEEMA):

Mega’s CD Brian Alaka Comes Out To Take Contest For Late Jacob Oulanyah’s Omoro Parliamentary Seat as the days for nomination of candidates draw nearer. According to the Electoral Commission road map, the nomination of candidates will take place from May 12th to May 13, 2022, at Omoro District Council Hall. The campaigns will take place from May 16th 2022” (Luo Tunes, 01.05.2022).

The National Unity Platform:

Who is Toolit Simon Akecha , the NUP flag bearer For omoro County?

National Unity Platform (NUP) / People Power has fronted Former FDC Member Toolit Simon AKECHA as its flag-bearer in the upcoming Omoro County by-election. Toolit is the former Omoro County MP (FDC) who in 2016 narrowly lost the seat to Hon Jacob Oulanya with 11,044 votes against Toolit’s 9,088 votes. In that election, there were a record breaking 2,173 invalid votes recorded in the declaration form that Toolit claimed they were his and sued Oulanya and NRM for electoral fraud and massive rigging. He is poised to be the main challenger to NRM Candidate Andrew OJOK, a son to the late Jacob Oulanya” (Nile TV, 26.04.2022).

The NRM candidate – Andrew Ojok Oulanyah:

How easy was it to get all the other six NRM aspirants to step down for you? They only stepped down in solidarity with the family. Two weeks ago, before the party issued its official position, we were not sure whether we would undergo primary elections and who the candidate would be. I want to thank the NRM party chairman (President Museveni) who eventually gave me the flag” (Tobbias Jolly Owino – ‘I wake up every day knowing I have to finish my father’s task – Ojok Oulanyah’ 01.05.2022, Daily Monitor).

First Rumour:

This haven’t been verified but been spread online. That there was a supposed gathering/meeting between the Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM), which was to support the NRM candidate ahead of the polls. As the three parties was afraid to challenge NUP’s Toolit. That meeting was done in the middle-of-April this year and to ensure it.

In that regard, we know the DP dropped out and we have to see if the UPC will do the same. That will be striking and evidence of the possible secret agreement. However, unless the minutes and the signed agreement comes into the public sphere… until that happens this is just a rumour.

Second rumour:

That the Omoro RDC Ladit Onyuk Andrew is directly campaigning and using his office to campaign for the NRM candidate in the county. That is very evident by his Facebook profile and how his using his office for the bidding of Ajok Oulanyah. This is most likely true and has been reported on by the newspapers since mid-April as well. Therefore, this rumour is genuine.

This election going to be contested. Expect arrests, election-violence and insincere statements by the authorities. The By-Election going to be a proof of the foothold of the NRM in Omoro County. The machinery will camp in the Omoro County. To expect something else is foolish. As they want to settle and have the son of the speaker to get the seat in Parliament.

However, the battle of Toolit and Oulanyah will be a hectic one. Expect the rallies of the NUP to be tear-gassed and get into trouble. While the NRM will campaign everywhere and use vast funds on voter-tourism. That is what the NRM has done for over a decade now. They will come in with the army, the whole state machinery, use of buses and free food for the masses. Small tokens and gifts to SACCO’s too. That is what the state does to suddenly showering the locals. However, the state will not invest in the hospitals or the health care centres. No, that will not happen…

I wouldn’t expect anything else. This might be this terms Arua By-Election. The same sort of drive and possibilities are here. Because, the stakes are high and the will of the NRM to settle the score. The use of the authorities and the state resources will be shown. Nothing should shock you, but be aware. It might even look like a war-zone in the tiny window to the polls, as the state wants to signal that their candidate is the way out. Peace.

The Art of Deficit Financing: Budget 2022/23 and the worrying affects of the growing debt…

The proposed budget for FY2O22/23 hos increased to UGX 47.25 trillion from the approved budget of UGX 44.77 trillion in FY2O21/22. ln the proposed budget, recurrent expenditures amount to UGX 33.54 trillion (71%) while development expenditures amount to UGX 13.70 trillion (129%). Worryingly, the projected revenue collections of UGX 25.54 trillion cannot fund the country’s entire recurrent expenditures” (Opposition Response to the Annual Budget Estimates for FY 2022/23, 03.05.2022).

When you read the first numbers on the Budget for the Financial Year of 2022/23 you see a problem that has been a long lingering issue. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and Government of Uganda (GoU) has done this for several of years now. The state has banked on loans and grants to cover the deficits. While the state is budgeting with a deficit financing method, which is far from covering fiscal funds by the lack of domestic revenue. That’s why the rising debt and the cycle of recycling debt isn’t making things better.

Just read this paragraph here:

It is critical to note that debt management costs hove risen from UGX 8.58 trillion in FY2017/18 and ore projected to be UGX 15.94 trillion in FY2022/23. This translates to on increment of 86%. The costs take first coll on the budget to cater for interest payments, commitment charges, debt management fees and amortisation. Therefore, from the onset 33% of the proposed budget will

not be available for service delivery. instead, it will be utilised for payment of partial debt commitments” (Opposition Response to the Annual Budget Estimates for FY 2022/23, 03.05.2022).

Just seeing this number, as you see the lack of domestic revenue to cover the budget of 47 trillion shillings, which is only at the level of 25 trillions. While the project debt management is put to about 16 trillions shillings. That means most of the domestic revenue would be used to pay old debt. Unless, the state plans to take out more loans and recycle debt to pay the old debt. That is just pushing the problem further down the line and get more interests as well. Therefore, the state finances isn’t tricky anymore, but a tragic phenomenon. These sorts of numbers are getting closer to default and a possible debt trap at one point. As the state needs more loans to cover current loans. That is not how to run a nation and neither how to run a fiscal responsible government.

The numbers becomes even more striking:
“The advance effect of this astronomical level of borrowing is felt through interest payments of over UGX 5.5 trillion in FY2O22/23 rising from UGX 2.4 trillion in FY2017/18. An increment of 130%. This is coupled by external debt repayments that ore projected at UGX 2.4 trillion in FY2022/23 rising from UGX 589 billion in FY2017/18. An increment of 307%. These toke first coll on the revenue collection and reduces funds available for service delivery” (Opposition Response to the Annual Budget Estimates for FY 2022/23, 03.05.2022).

We see the debt management and now we see the rising interest payments are also doing the same. The ones that has been crying wolf and worried for the rising debt portfolio is catching up with the government. The Ministry of Finance and Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) has failed to comply with the mechanisms and the codes of Public Finance and Management Act. Clearly, the Government and the all the Ministries has to be following suit.

These sorts of numbers should strike fear of a debt default and a crashing economy. The art of deficit financing … is now becoming a growing issue. The state cannot hide from this and this should worry the citizens. As there is nothing given that the creditors will be merciful or give way. They might … be vengeful and take collateral over failure to repay the debt. Peace.