Opinion: Mzee is preparing people for “Biya”

“Now the issue of the standby generator group, that one I am handling with Muhoozi Kainerubaga and his group. This issue of Muhoozi is partly due to the weaknesses of the NRM” (…) “Within the army itself, there was also some corruption & Gen Muhoozi Kainerubaga had been very strict on that. So that’s why I saw that there was some sort of resistance movement within the resistance Movement” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (31.05.2023).

Well, well, well, the project continues and succession is sooner or later in order. That is very clear. Because, the President since 1986 haven’t spoken like this before. Not to my recollection. It is telling and says a lot.

President Museveni is now preparing people for the reign of his son. He is saying that his son is capable leader and a commander. It doesn’t have to be true or honest even. No, it just have to be portrayed that way. The President have to make people believe that his son is ready and able. However, that might not be true and wouldn’t be the case.

He wants us to believe there is an internal fraction or a wing, which is resisting. If they really where resisting. They wouldn’t all have been sitting in the garden and talking to the President would they? He would have acted like he has done to the NRM MPs who has defied orders and voted against the will of the “high above”. So, please I don’t buy this story…

I would buy this story, if it was leaked and suddenly a newsroom, a newspaper or a media house was stormed, raided and not allowed to publish stories for a week or so. That would have made this believable. Since that what happen when the news broke out about “Project Muhoozi”.

This here is just to fairytale-y and not so trustworthy. You know… it lack substance and character. A lot of hot air, but not a cup of coffee or a taste of tea. No, the President is trying to fool us and acting like Muhoozi is bloody brilliant.

We all know he isn’t that clever or witty. We know he doesn’t have the character or the charisma to pull it off. His only mentioned and able to get public traction because his pays for it and hires people to his MK Movement. The moment the wells runs dry and he got no drinks. His buddy will go to the next gig and find themselves a new master. They are hired guns and soldiers of fortune. These folks won’t be there out of moral values or belief in the cause. No, they are only there, because they hope Muhoozi is the next meal-ticket.

Museveni knows all of this and can read the room. He wants to shake up the NRM party and make a fool out of the entitled elites, which are surrounding him. The President wants them to act and follow his command. That’s why his speaking this way and making a mockery attempt of a make believe scenario. Like there is a powerful wing with the NRM for Muhoozi. Yes, there are some behind him and some has been “sponsored” to run as MPs by Muhoozi. However, his still a marginal player and only with a burdensome name…

Muhoozi will take the credit and feel vindicated by his father. His father didn’t only mention him, but give him a pat on his back. That must make the son giddy. Nevertheless, we know the gig and the reason for this. It is to prepare and usher in a new era. This isn’t done out of the goodwill of the President heart or anything.

No, this is only done to give way to Muhoozi and slowly let the tide turn his way. That’s the gig here and it’s so obvious. Gen. Sejusa warned us all and now Museveni is playing ball. Peace.

Opinion: Would we ever see an Army Commander in the High Command from the North?

It would have been a sign of reconciliation and leaving the grievances of the past, if the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Government of Uganda (GoU) had promoted or made an Army Commander from the Northern Regions. That would have been a message and a resounding one.

I tend to not get emotional or get attached, but there are certain things that would be significant and prove that there is no tribalism or ethnic reasons for the choices made today. Because, right now the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and the High Command is filled with Westerns and the ones aligned to the tribes surrounding the Presidency. That is just a mere fact and nothing can overshadow that. The same with the leadership of the Uganda Police Force (UPF). Yes, northerns has gotten plum-offices and appointed into high offices politically. However, it haven’t happened in the army and it shows.

I don’t know if Museveni hold grudges or deep resentment. This could be personal to him and he only trust his own “kind”. Even if he says he speaks ill of tribalism and sectarianism. Still, he professes to that in certain aspects of life. That’s why only certain areas has high ranking officials and has the option to be promoted into the High Command of the Army or the Ministry of Defence. It will not be someone from Lango, Acholi or the West Nile. Forget if you are from Apac or Pader for that matter. If you are from Gulu, Lira or Arua. Well, you will not get far in the army and can only be a foot-soldier. You will never reach the ranks or be in the mix for prestige. That’s beholden others by blood or by association. If not that they are coming from right areas of the West and can be pleasing to the UPDF.

That’s how it looks like… I can understand if Museveni has some distrust and lack of empathy. However, the prolonged war in the North. Has cost him and the his areas lots of damage. Yes, the UPDF was able to send Lord Resistance Army (LRA) packing and it is now in exile. However, that war happened because of the choices and the distrust between the “south” and the “north”. Which isn’t strange, as the North had the influence and the Presidency until Museveni came along. Obote and Amin was from the North and their commanders came from there as well.

Museveni has in some regards done the same. He trust his own and chosen this path. Why I am wondering now is that it’s years since peace came to the North. The threats are gone and the lives moves on. The High Command and the UPDF wouldn’t be endangered by a Northerner in the ranks. I think it would be a friendly reminder of how things has changed. That the North and the South can fight together and secure the sovereignty of the Republic. It could be the message and not only appoint northern technocrats to run Ministries or be Speakers of the House. No, give them power where it matters and allow them to deploy guns. That would have been a powerful message and been a proof of the non-sectarianism that Museveni professes too.

Alas, we know Museveni won’t budge or do this. He needs token soldiers and loyal commanders. Certainly, he has issues with it and wouldn’t give way. Some say the idea of Gen. Moses Ali is a proof that he has a broad coalition and allies in the North. Well, Gen. Moses Ali was able to get a deal and has been ally of Museveni ever since. Therefore, that isn’t the same as what I am requesting or hoping will happen.

The UPDF and the Ministry of Defence needs representation. These organizations needs to show all parts of the nation and have leaders from across the spectrum. That is needed, especially if Museveni wants to be unifying and speak with a sincere voice. Unless, he just wants to lie and only does so to please donors. I would certainly believe that and it would make sense. Actually, it would make a lot of dollars and pay of the expenditure of his State House.

I know it would be a shocker to see someone from the Great North appointed or promoted to the High Command. However, it would be a sign of goodwill and of change. That it isn’t a battle between the North and the South. No, that it’s a collective and a nation for all. Peace.

Opinion: Kyambadde don’t want to be in the wind…

The likes of Amalie Kyambadde are used to be close and have vast influence in her office. That’s why being a Senior Presidential Advisor on Industry since the 2021 is daft to her. However, she chose this path and lost her elected role after 10 years in Parliament.

When you play the game, you either win or lose. That’s how it goes, and MPs are automatically elected or selected, unless they are the sole-candidate, and no other party is fielding in the same constituency. Therefore, Kyambadde was humbled after being in Cabinet and in Parliament for a decade.

She should have followed the advice of her master. The one that she served and kept secrets for. Kyambadde been the Personal or Private Secretary to the President since 1986 and worked close with him since 1997. So, when she decided to go out galivanting into an elective role. She should have known that it could cost, and the constituents could send you packing, which they did…

We know that she had massive influence and could keep the President distant from people in the years as his secretary. She must surely feel totally out of the loop. Now that she only has a marginal role and salary. Kyambadde is just one of a “100” Presidential Advisors, and they tend to only meet to be enlighten by His Excellency every blue moon. So, she isn’t as relevant or within the realm of power as she used too.

It wasn’t surprising to read or hear that she was dismissing the person who won over her in 2021. That was to be expected and that she would retaliate with harsh words. She got too and say something to sound like a viable candidate. However, will the constituents by into it?

Because she was in Parliament for 10 years and did, she do so much for them? Well, I don’t have the answer, but certainly that is questionable. Alas, she can only sway as much her swing as she wants too.

While it is a hard bargain to try to return now. The only thing she can hope for is help from the “high above” and settle the scores locally. There was a reason why she didn’t get a third time in Parliament. The people hadn’t seen or heard much from her. It is arrogant to think you are duty bound to be there. However, knowing that she was a staple in the State House.

She surely must feel entitled and that’s what she does. Kyambadde is victim of her own whim and arrogance. This is a mere reflection of her character. The reason why she is a Presidential Advisor and still at-large. Is because of her connection not only through the family of Kuteesa, but also her longevity in the State House. That’s the reason why she still matters and the secrets she knows.

The President has confided and trusted her in the past. Certainly, Kyambadde knows more than most. If someone knows the inner-works and the inner-circle it’s her. She has not only knowledge, but first-hand experience with it. Therefore, it is no surprise that she wants back and wants the perks coming with it. Peace.

Opinion: The GoU needs an additional 3 trillion shilling to cover for a shortfall only lasting for 38 days..

“The government has tabled loan requests of up to UGX 3 trillion to finance the remaining days of the Financial Year 2023- 2024. However, legislators are questioning why the government is choosing to use Kenyan street money lender Amarog Capital Limited over established financial institutions” (NBS Television, 24.05.2023).

I remember a little time ago when the National Resistance Movement and their apologists was asking for financial education or if Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine knew how “fiscal responsibility” worked. That is a long forgotten time, because the reckless spending is a habit.

The Government of Uganda, the NRM is now adding more public debt and they are not doing it from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank (WB) or any other multi-national financial institution. No, they seeking lone from another sort of institution. Meaning the terms, the conditions and the possible interest rates might be worse. Secondly, there will be no relief or no sort of awaiting maturity of the loan either. Meaning it is possible that the burn-rate and the responsibility of repayment comes “sooner” than “later”.

It is surely showing how badly things are operating. Not that his is anything new. We know the State is misusing funds and lacks good oversight. There is a reason why so much funds are ending up missing or misappropriated. That for a reason and done on purpose.

Money doesn’t have owners, but it has spenders said a fictional character in the Wire called Omar Little. His so damn right about it too. The State doesn’t expenditure but a vast money-pit. It can invent money and it can also borrow money without any consideration of the future. The domestic revenue isn’t growing, but the government debt is. The deficit financing is filled with burdens and problems ahead. This is a self-inflicted wound and sooner or later it will cripple the whole economy. Because, the state is borrowing not to build fancy institutions or industries, no it borrows to function it’s day-to-day operations. That’s what it does and the additional fees will pile up. There is no promise that the creditors will be forgiving or concerned about the nation. No, when the Republic starts to default. The creditors will take assets and future liabilities, which will generate them some revenue. While the state loses vital infrastructure and resources, which is bound by agreements and by loan deals made long ago.

That’s why an additional 3 trillion shillings for merely a month is a travesty. It is a waste of funds. Not only that the state needs this before the next Financial Year of 2023/24. That they are doing it and so blatantly. They are just seeking “free” money to spend like drunk sailors…

Seriously, this is messed up. They are granting themselves a lot of money and it has no sort of transparency behind it. That’s why it’s easy money and they hope the lenders don’t mind the mismanagement and lack of accountability. It is just the game the NRM and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development does. We have seen it countless of times before and the reasons for it is ridiculous. The manner of paying additional electricity at the State House or get more classified budgets for the State House and the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). That’s just what they do and it’s getting old.

Deficit financing is never a good idea. It is an evil cycle and sooner or later the credit will run out. The old loans will default and no one wants to carry the load for you. Then the whole house of cards fails and the markets crash. That is just a matter of time and the state continue like this… unless they have a secret kryptonite to destroy the ageing debts. Peace.

Opinion: The Son-In-Law is becoming the Coffee-Tsar…

“It’s morning in Baltimore, Lester. Wake up and smell the coffee” – Lt. Cedric Daniels (The Wire S4E11, 2006).

“Government is under the spotlight for allocating Shs37 billion to the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, an agency headed by the president’s son-in-law. Mr Odrek Rwabwogo is supposed to spend this money on ‘coffee value chain, export, and industrial development promotion’, but the manner of the allocation raised suspicions in Parliament last week.” (Franklin Draku – ‘MPs query Shs37b allocation to Rwabwogo-led committee’ 23.05.2023, Daily Monitor).

Who knew? Well, in the Republic everything is possible. Especially if you are well connected or have ties with His Excellency. That’s why the Son-In-Law Odrek Rwabwogo even is getting a budget post and a fancy agency to run.

While it is striking, just like the Coffee Agreement with Pinetti. The whole saga of the Coffee Processing Plant and the Monopoly of it. This is now pushed further within the realm of the family and the President. It is like they are seeking all the profits from the cash-crop and commodity.

The republic already have an institution doing what Odrek is supposed to do. This was started early in the reigns of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). That was enacted back in 1991 just mere years into the “transitional” period of the regime. This is the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) with the mandate: “To increase quality coffee production, productivity, value addition, marketing and consumption”. If you feel it similar to the memo to the son-in-law, because it is a copy. Just more modern lingo with the “coffee value chain, export, and industrial development promotion”. The rest is the gist of it and more of the same.

The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development will now compete with the UCDA. Which is already in competition with the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA). There are so many players and duplications in the Republic it is hard to keep up. Now the PACEID is competing directly with the UCDA and partly with the UIA too.

The Vinci Agreement just shows how the state plays and does its own bidding. Now the son-in-law is getting a slice of the pie too. That’s how it looks like. It feels a like a new day and we are smelling the fruits of others people’s labour.

This is making the son-in-law doing something someone is already doing. It isn’t enhancing or bettering the industry. No, this is a pay-day and a small heist. Because, he will not take the place of the UCDA or UIA. No, the son-in-law is just an extension and a useless addition. A bountiful receiver from the public coffers, but it won’t matter in the grand scheme of things.

It doesn’t matter that the son-in-law has no skill-set, education or proof that his experienced to do this. Well, it should, but in this case it don’t. The only thing that did matter was his close proximity to the President and that was it.

We are smelling the bitter coffee. A man that couldn’t easily differentiate between robusta or arabica is now becoming a Coffee Tsar. That’s the reality here. The head honcho of coffee beans and he knows squat about it.

This is how the President runs the nation and it shows how little he actually cares. Peace.

Uganda: Uganda Medical Association (UMA) – Press Release (21.05.2023)

Uganda Medical Association (UMA): Open letter to His Excellency, President Yoweri K. Museveni (14.05.2023)

Opinion: A “Ugandan way of war” is to fix potholes…

“Mission: To develop and operate a powerful and versatile special operations force that is situated within the unique Ugandan way of war and is responsive to the requirements of the UPDF and the nation” (UPDF – About Special Forces Command).

“First Son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba together with the KCCA Executive Director, Dorothy Kisaaka, tour the potholed 6th Street road in the Industrial Area on Wednesday. Eng Justus Akankwasa, the director of engineering at KCCA, said SFC and the UPDF Engineering Brigade have offered to join hands in rehabilitating all the roads in Kampala” (Daily Monitor, 10.05.2023).

When reading that the KCCA and UPDF Special Forces Command will have a hand in fixing the potholes in Kampala. It got me bugging. We already know that the UPDF is out there handling so much civilian activities and partaking in government works. Still, now a unit run and been controlled by Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is getting in-charge and getting his hands on road maintenance in Kampala.

You can just wonder if this is a special operation or a unique one. Because, what does the SFC know about asphalt, bitumen or anything of that matter. When we know how faulty the likes of Dott Services is… how bad will it be with the SFC at the helm. This isn’t burning down a royal palace in Kasese. Neither is this a command operation to kill or assassinate a religious hoodlum either. No, this is building roads and the SFC got nothing to do there.

Seriously, the KCCA and UNRA should be ashamed that they are allowing this. They got no choice. The high above is allowing his kid to toy around in everyone’s backyard and act like an unelected overlord. However, they are only showing no backbone and no integrity.

Who believes the SFC has the engineers or the capacity to fix the roads? They are not a building company, an engineering one or have brains to do this. It is really weird seeing the national military being an engineering, contractor and a renovator. This is just out of bound for what a military is supposed to do. The UPDF should fix hospitals, stadiums or roads. No, that should be civilian entities with the government tenders from government entities. Not a military organization partaking in the action and getting a cut. Because, that’s how things are transpiring now.

That a Unit made for Special Operations and run by the First Son is now getting in-charge and acting as a engineering unit is weird. The SFC should be busy training for foreign invaders and securing the borders of the nation. They shouldn’t think of the roads of the capital. That’s for the KCCA and UNRA to work upon. How come there is money for the SFC to do this, but not for the ones mentioned?

Because I doubt the SFC will do this for “free” and out of “patriotic duty”. No, the SFC and UPDF will be allocated funds and budgets to cover the expenses of these things. They won’t touch it unless there is money to be made. That’s just the gist of things.

You can call this versatile, but a way of war it is not. The army and their commandos should be busy securing the borders, the national integrity and do army stuff. They shouldn’t be concerned with buildings, roads or any of those sorts. Because it is not in their mandate. That isn’t army works, but civilian works and with companies to do so.

This is dumb, stupid and dumb. It is utter nonsense, and they should get called out for it. Peace.

Opinion: BM7 is a sign that Mzee will be on the ballot in 2026

“President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday met the National Resistance Movement (NRM) youth leaders from Buganda sub-region under their movement – Buganda For Museveni (BM7) led by Ms. Hellen Seku. The discussions held at State House Entebbe, focused on opportunities for the NRM party in Buganda and challenges that need urgent attention to further strengthen the party’s support in the sub-region” (Watchdog Uganda – ‘President Museveni launches Buganda for Museveni Youth Movement’ 10.05.2023).

The old man with the hat is preparing himself for another term in office. He is preparing himself for the 9^th term since 1986. That is the message I am getting, and this is done because his losing support in the Central Region or Buganda Kingdom. This has been obvious, and the opposition has massive support by the National Unity Platform and the Forum for Democratic Change. Therefore, Museveni is only trying to counter-act to that.

We have already seen plenty who has signed off and held ceremonies vouching for his 9^th term. That has happened on the regular and loyalist has already showed their support of the President. This is just a mere fact and has been seen for a long time.

The ones shocked or feel this is breaking news… well… it is not. This is just continuing where the President left off and preparing himself for another contested election. When he knows his popularity is dwindling. The tiredness of the “no change” and lack of service delivery get so clear. The militarism of politics and tactic of short-sighted schemes doesn’t pay off either.

Therefore, he must start a fresh and do it early. Even if its years in advance of 2026. This is also a message to his son and daughter. That the father has no plans to sign off and not stay in office. Museveni don’t plan to retire.

So, for Muhoozi and Natasha, the family dynasty, the President is obviously signalling that the MK Movement and the others can slow down. They should back-down because the old man of the clan will run again.

I am not surprised, but this is steady programming. Museveni seemingly will be on the ballot until his last breath. There are no signs of him relenting or giving way. I doubt he would do that even to his own kin. He will only do so when his buried and dead and gone. Peace.

Opinion: The Presidency shouldn’t be a family affair…

Just like everything is gearing up for “Project Muhoozi” and Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is not only openly campaigning, building his political platform or movement. There has already been question about the in-law, Odrek Rwabwogo who is another family member with ambition. Now there is even talk of Natasha Museveni.

By this time… this is happening after His Excellency posted a tweet having talks with Natasha. Like he has had tweets with her before and showing her the ropes on the Rwakitura farm. Therefore, that isn’t uncommon.

However, now they are making 2026 Posters and recognizing her on Social Media. Like they are sprinting ahead and giving her way. As if she is a better candidate or a more sound of a candidacy. While none of the three should even be eligible or capable.

These three are in the lines of the Independent Candidates with no experience or public support to even consider running for office. Neither of them is beloved, has a mission or an official party to run with.

The Lt. Gen. isn’t even retired and by law his a felon for breaching the codes of the UPDF Act by acting like he does. We know he won’t feel the blunt force of the law or get law enforcement on tail. Because, his one of them and anointed by the state. Nevertheless, Muhoozi can play like a big-man and act like his building something. However, it is a house built on sand and the waves will take it easily.

Neither of the three is really viable or interesting. The only reason why they are there is the connection to Mzee, Bosco or the High Above. There is no supreme quality or even experience that suggest they are capable of pulling it off. They are there based on family ties and not on their beliefs or even how they handle themselves. No, they could be butchers, secretaries and low hanging fruit on a market-place for all we know.

We are seeing how busy Muhoozi is to build his name. Using any excuse to travel the nation. Act as an overlord and diplomat in Nairobi and Kigali. His acting like his the next in line and the only one who are worthy. Alas, he doesn’t have the mindset or the stamina to stick to it. While Odrek and Natasha is cannon fodder in this here game. They are not ready for what is coming their way.

All of the three are shielded of the worst. They are not in the boiling pot and getting tested in the real waters. They are just enjoying the perks of the beach and not even trying to set sail. That’s why Muhoozi think it easy. As the whole state machinery and his allowed to build up his own entourage while playing it out. Therefore, these are fooled to think they can do it.

Natasha is just a pawn. The same is Odrek and they all know it. That’s why all the cards are stacked towards Muhoozi. While he isn’t the man or the guy either. His just there acting it out and trying to be a reasonable guy. While Muhoozi cannot act with reason or confidence. Heck, he has no charisma and couldn’t even tell a moving story.

That’s why people are fending for the others in the family tree of Museveni. Still, none of them have “it”. They don’t and it must hurt the father. To see his son and daughter not being up for it. Seeing all this time and no suitable heir. None of these are trustworthy or people you would allow to inherit your legacy too. No, Museveni would rather choose someone else. Because, he knows Muhoozi isn’t it, but neither is Odrek or Natasha.

That’s why this family affair is depressing. The Succession has been lost in the wave of overstaying in power. By this time we are just seeing how lost and baffling lack of self conscience the family has. As they are trying to be viable and be the future. However, all of these are the past even before trying to succeed. They are all tainted by the father and his prolonged reign.

The Republic isn’t a family affair or business. It isn’t an enterprise for the Museveni family to inherit. Muhoozi and the others might think so… but isn’t and they will figure out that very quickly. Peace.