Opinion: Kasaija proves that the rot of corruption is everywhere…

I don’t sleep, I’ve been looking for money. I’m abused by my colleagues that I don’t give them money. When I give them money, they don’t use it for the purpose it has been given. The question of corruption is getting to the nerves of some of us. The corrupt should not be in our government. We work so hard. We worked so hard to bring this county to where it is now but people want to derail us and take the country into wars unnecessarily” – Finance Minister Matia Kasaija (02.12.2023).

No surprises. No sudden changes. The winds haven’t changed. Neither have the tidal waves or the tides of the sea. No, everything is like normal. The cows are being fed. The chickens are being slaughtered and the eggs are collected. Nothing out of the ordinary. Even the nsenene are being sold on the market of Kampala.

The sun is shining and the flow of currency is on overload. There is no rash decision or law that has been amended. No, there is no new Financial Policy or White Paper that has been put forward. Neither has the OAG, IGG or PPDA issued anything of substance. Neither has the FIA or UIA for that matter. There is even a special unit operating in the State House too. Therefore, the state has enough organizations and authorities to combat the corruption. However, they are all ending up with nothing.

This is why nothing changes… because it is a whole lot of nothing. Only small fries, small fishes and the ones who are duped who get caught. The ones who has no leverage or connections. The little guys in the up-country districts to dares to eat of other people’s plates. They are captured and taken into custody. While the authorities says they captured someone who defrauded the state and misused funds.

We have heard of ghosts, missing funds and other tales of late. We are so accustomed to it. That the mabaati and the ghosts SACCOs, NAADs, Emooya, OWC and whatnot just become staple food. The lack of oversight gives the high ranking officials a power to create ghosts and get a pay-off. They just claim to build a bridge or procure furniture for their offices. However, the bridge or the furnitures will never exists, except for on paper and during votes on the budget.

That the Finance Minister is saying these words. It is fine that his calling it out. The deceased Governor of Bank of Uganda must feel good in his afterlife. Seeing how a colleague is ranting out in public. We know that the IGG or OAG have no intentions of shielding or securing whistle-blowers. Therefore, it is a danger to call out mischief and illicit funds. Because, why do that when your career is on the line?

That’s why nothing of his words matters. The system is rotten to the core and it’s been celebrated with Presidential Handshakes, tax-holidays and pay-off’s for service rendered. That’s why nothing will change and the President is fine with that. The daily pay-days are here to stay and the Finance Minister just have to cough up the dough.

Kasaija have served this regime for decades now. He knows the drill and his been fine with it. Maybe now and then been ranting, but his one of them. The President has entrusted him with the office and knows he delivers. That’s why his retained, time and time again. The Minister wouldn’t be there if the President didn’t know he would serve him correctly.

The message is fine in itself, but it is pointless. When you know the authorities, the organizations and the state itself in indifferent. The fellow peers and the ones above him don’t mind. They are jubilant and gets off easy. These are people who are used to eating of others people’s plates. The ones doing so have no intention or plans to stop. It is free food and a feast. The bounty is on the table and why call it out. When you get the meat, the beans and the matooki. It is just time to enjoy it and have some tea after the meal. Peace.

Mzee order of 1989 is cancelled in 2023: The Buruuli land is given back…

In 1989, President Yoweri Museveni instructed the Ministry of Lands and Surveys to allocate 10 square miles of land to enable them to set income-generating activities and education multi-faced agricultural projects. The Ministry of Lands identified the five square miles at government ranching schemes in Nakasongola district and another five square miles at the Ssingo ranching scheme which they offered to Makerere University. The Ministry of Lands and Surveys then offered land at blocks 9B and 9C at Buruuli ranching schemes located in Wabinyonyi and Kakooge sub-counties in Nakasongola.However, to date, Makerere University hasn’t taken possession of the land” (Unity Fm 97.7 Lira, 01.12.2023).

It is just rich that as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni cancels the giving of land to the Makerere University in Nakansongola district or within Buruuli Kingdom. The President gave the land for educational purposes and the University never used the land. Therefore, the cancellation has no effect on the university or their programs.

Alas, as he called Baganda kingdom the “Mengo Semi-Colonialism” in regards to the Buruuli, which was annexed by the Baganda in the early 1900s. That is history, which is definitely remembered by the people of Buruuli. However, the land question here was always on orders and directed by the President.

He can pin blame of weakening the Buruuli on the Baganda, but that isn’t the case here. The President rectified both Kingdoms and they are now side by side. The land question here was an effort, which was instructed by him and now he chose to give it back. It took him 34 years to do so and you can wonder who will take it back now.

The crying of supporters and people of Buruuli wasn’t done because Makerere or the Baganda had did something. No, it was an outcry because Museveni had decided decades earlier. He now changed his own policy and returned the land to the ones living there. This is opposite of what he has done in the North recently, but shows how powerful letters and pleas are in regard to the President. This doesn’t cost him anything either and the University doesn’t lose anything of value.

It is just strange that he pins the “Mengo Semi-Colonialism” line in the letter. When they had nothing directly doing with it or wasn’t connected to this land question. This was all about him and his choices, but he still chooses these words. Just to justify his attempts and lack of implementation of it. Since the government and the university had over three decades to make use of the land and make it educational. However, that never happened and that is saying something.

Just imagine… since 1989 when he instructed the ministry, the University and the State have never been able to do anything about it. They had plenty of time and funds to do so. This just shows that it was never a priority or a willed act. You can wonder why the President did it in the first place and what motivation he had. Alas, that is another story. Peace.

Opinion: The Presidential Guards (SFC) has launched the “Operation Potholes”

There is a joke here, but I know the National Resistance Movement (NRM) or the Muhoozi Kainerubaga Movement “The Bridge” won’t take that kindly. The Presidential Guards or the Special Forces Command (SFC) have gotten a two billion shilling deal to fix potholes in Kampala.

That the SFC is getting two billions shillings in itself is questionable… because where there a tendering process and was all stakeholders partaking in the process? I doubt that ever happened and it was the “high above” that decided this.

The Mission of the SFC is this: “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.”

I wonder how they can play this one out, because this is a versatile operation, but not in clever warfare. If this is to show the leadership of Muhoozi and his brand of standby generator vibes. Well, he will loose and not win this one. First off, the government have given him a budget, which practically won’t fix much. It is hackwork and patchwork that we all can say won’t last long. There are too many players getting paid and getting a cut before the bitumen is procured. Therefore, the SFC is bound to fail like KCCA and UNRA already is doing.

They are all pinning the Lord Mayor, but the General won’t fair any better. Even if he has the ears of his father and all the powers within his midst. Muhoozi is a making a mockery of the state and how things operate. When a specialized unit like the SFC is suddenly building or maintaining roads. That’s not a military operation, but a case of mismanagement.

It is just a sign of militarized the economy is, but no one is surprised as the UPDF has been used in plenty of private sectors in the recent years. Now they are signing of for the unit of Muhoozi. That’s why he shows up, even as his only Senior Presidential Advisor and an Army Commander. He shouldn’t be partaking in this, but because of the prestige. That’s why his there and wants to look like his doing something.

This is the launch of “Operation Potholes” and we can wonder why the golden boy, the golden child and the Prince of the City gets the bid. They are trying to forge a narrative and make it believe that Muhoozi and his army strategies works in civilian terms. Surely, he should do this fast and efficiently. Since his capable of invading Nairobi within 3 days. Therefore, he should be the guy to salvage the plights and stop the suffering of potholes in a heartbeat.

However, we know that won’t be the case and this is a money-grab. It is guaranteed to not be sufficient or be enough. This is put up in haste and to make the General look good. In a manner that continues his process to the Presidency. Even if he has no idea what his doing and the SFC isn’t burning down a Royal Palace in Kasese, but suddenly fixing roads in Kampala.

It is just amazing how this is done. Some people are saying whatever that works, they don’t mind. However, this is undermining the KCCA and UNRA. The MoWT should also feel disregarded, as the General are taking their spot. Just like the UPDF Engineering Brigade started to fix the Stadium in the City too. The army is becoming a unique brand of builders and engineers. They are not soldiers or army commanders fighting terrorism or insurgency. No, they are becoming honest men digging in the dirt.

Who knew? But let’s see how “Operation Potholes” will unfold. Peace.

Opinion: Mao is a lesson of selling himself short…

Now we hear those who joined yesterday trying to lecture us ok how the opposition should act. Being in opposition means you are opposing certain ideas. We are professors in opposition as the Democratic Party. We have a PhD in Opposition, others are still in kindergarten” – Norbert Mao (22.11.2023).

One thing is certain and that’s something Minister Norbert Mao cannot run away from. He is a Minister in Government, which means his not in opposition anymore. The Democratic Party ceased to be that the moment it signed the “No Surprises” Agreement with the National Resistant Movement (NRM). That was a choice and a decision made, which makes Mao and his Party in-line with the Government. They have to vote with them and follow the stipulations of the set agreement.

This is why Mao is now compromised and sold out. He gave way and has become one of them. Mao isn’t the first DP leader or MP to do so. No, there been people before him who did join the government and later they even became NRM themselves. They just saw the benefits of being it directly, instead of working from the outside looking in.

Mao hasn’t been in Opposition since he signed that agreement. He has years as an opposition candidate and as an opposition party. I can give him that and the DP Party has a long history of such. I wouldn’t deny it that, but his still not the guy to lecture others.

His reign and campaigns as opposition in 2011 and 2016 shows how he failed. Mao haven’t been capable or able to take the party further. Neither has there been any sort of successful momentum to give him a shot of getting close to the Presidency. No, his been a small time player in a sea of sharks who smells his blood.

Chairman Mao should know better, as his always tried to act wise and be an intellectual. However, his choices politically can be questioned and the results can be deemed thereafter. His not a serial winner or an overachiever. Mao has done the bare minimum and just gotten what he needs to get by. The DP Party won’t be stronger or more resilient the moment he leaves. No, it will be in shambles and most likely an infighting between the ones who are a part of NRM and the ones who defied that agreement. That agreement is bound to create more headache and hurt for the party. Not make it better or more functional.

That’s why Mao shouldn’t lecture others on how to play. He showed that he was such a mess that he lost out a chance to be on the ballot in 2016 and he had to vouch for Amama Mbabazi. That’s the sort of man he is and he has called Besigye a “serial loser” which is rich when you know how Mao has struggled in the polls.

Mao should just rest on the laurels and enjoy the perks of office. He has traded his integrity and moral high-ground for a brief moment of riches. Right not it’s all funky dory and his one of them. However, the moment his not useful. He will be tossed aside quickly by His Excellency. If not get a useless office and at a government entity, which gives him no prominence whatsoever. That’s where Mao is heading and he doesn’t even know it. Peace.

Opinion: The people of Karamoja have understood the value of PDM…

In some sections of the community, there is negative attitude towards PDM money as it is compared to other similar government poverty eradication programs which are generally perceived by some people as failures. Some people perceive the PDM as a thank you token from the President for voting him in power and others view it as Personal Pocket Money like I said in (Karenga) Karamoja, some people were reported to be referring to the money as Personal Drinking Money” – Ojara Mapenduzi, Chairperson Parliament’s Public Service Committee (22.11.2023)

We know the drill and we have been here before. Now the Karamoja sub-region and the population, which have been starving and been in conflict. The ones who are used and getting taken for granted. The population of Karamoja isn’t thriving and that’s a result of years of neglect or lack government services. They have been kept this way and for a purpose.

The Parish Development Model (PDM) like any micro-finance scheme the government has created are flawed from the onset and with lacking due diligence. The PDM was launched just in time for elections and making a continuation of the endless programs like these. The SACCOs, NAADs, Emyooga, OWC and whatnot. It is just an endless money-pit and programs destined to fail. The PDM is no difference. Another name of the same scheme, which happens to be re-branded and tweaked just a little bit to look different from the others. However, the core business is the same and in the end… it will amount to little to nothing.

Well, with that in mind. Here we are… and the Karamoja sub-region is speaking fact. They have seen it coming and they spell the rain on the horizon. The people know what the PDM means and why it exists. That it is a cash-grab made around elections and to ensure the regime votes. That’s why they make new ones and with additional “incentives” to sweeten the deal.

It is just amazing to know the PDM is seen as a pocket money and drinking money. That wasn’t the intention, but there been so much shady going on with the PDM money. So, who cares about a little fun around “happy hour” aye?

The PDM was destined to fail and just like the predecessors did too. The NRM did make amends or ensure it’s longevity. That doesn’t matter either, because they just launch another one before the next General Elections anyway. Before their been any serious reporting or oversight into the PDM as a whole.

There been reports that shows how the PDM has failed. These have been very direct and shown how the government have failed this one. There are just to much drive and very little protocol. Neither are there safety-nets or anything ensuring the usage either. This means the money will be spent on frivolous activities and who doesn’t mind a free beer.

I’m sure the Waragin O’Clock is hitting smoothly in Kotido or Moroto for that matter. They are just enjoying the buzz of the PDM. These people deserved the brew and the tingly feeling after all their hardships. When they can get functioning roads, schools or hospitals. At least a free drink and a nice evening is a small bargain. It doesn’t the patch the hurt, but it give momentary relief.

Alas, the mabaati thieves is discussing it, but not seeing the grander the picture. Just like the MPs and Ministers took from the state. The PDM was taken for granted too and they cannot be blamed for that. They are not seeing a concerning government or a service delivery. Instead they are pawns and now they used their peasant power for their own legendary night(s). Peace.

Opinion: Mr. President, it’s your policies from the 1990s that made Busoga poor…

I have been peeping through my car window as I travelled here for this function and I have kept wondering to myself how do these people (in Busoga sub region) live through this sort of poverty? I have screened through all these villages where I have passed but the houses and all the other things I have seen have left me wondering how it’s possible for our people [in Busoga] to survive through these hard economic conditions”– President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (18.11.2023).

We are living in 2023 and the generations that saw the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) are old, bitter or forgotten about. They saw the implications and the costs of doing so. The privatization and liberalization of the economy, which was the stipulations of the Bretton Woods Organizations and getting loans in the 1990s. This was at a time when President Museveni himself was a “new breed” of leadership and even a President that Bill Clinton spoke kindly of.

However, those days are gone, decades later and the grim realities of the effects of those policies are now coming to haunt the government. Industries and the industrial hub of Jinja city died as a cause of this. State owned and operated Cooperatives ceased to exist, sold or just dissolved. The ones thriving industries was sold for scraps and are now a jaded memory. While it was decades one of the points and cities that pumped foreign currency and created wealth.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni earned fortunes on the loans, grants and the SAPs. They got favours and favourable terms for the central government, but the businesses, state owned enterprises or cooperatives had to adjust to new terms. Which inflicted harm and damage, which have never been able to heal.

That why this was reported earlier in the year:

According to the Busoga Development Agenda (BDA), Busoga’s economic collapse is partly a result of the collapse of Jinja’s industrial prowess due to the 1994 privatization policy and weakening of the cooperative movement in Busoga, a disunited political leadership and cultural leadership differences that destabilized the role of the Kyabazingahood as a rallying point for the unity of Busoga after the demise of the late His Royal Highness Henry Wako Muloki” (Busoga Today – ‘Development and Economic Empowerment’, 22.07.2023).

If you ever wonder how the process and the sales was done by the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Well, it is done like it has always been done. It has been done with favours and within own ranks, the NRM Way. The way of the President and his inner-circle. They are getting bargains and good deals or a trade for loyalty. That’s what Museveni does and he can sell of anything, if it benefits him and his time in office. He don’t care if a hotel goes bust or gets sold for scraps. Museveni don’t mind if a factory or a cooperative gets locked in and gets worse ownership. No, he sold something and return he got a loyal crony. That’s the business model and that how you destroy industries and production.

Just read this one here from an Academic Paper in 2011:

During the privatization process at least seven (9%) out of 74 SOEs were undervalued and sold to government employees costing government Shs. 4.3 billion (US$2.2) (over US$2,152,000 at US$=Shs.2, 000).xxxvi Undervaluation (AV>SP) was calculated as the excess of asset value (AV) over the sales price (SP). The undervaluation was explained by politics and weak private sector. First, the ruling party supporters included cabinet ministers, presidential advisers, National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters and Members of Parliament (MPs). In order to marshal political support, the ruling NRM either undervalued or condoned default” (…) “Second, undervaluation was expected even before sale if the locals were to buy SOEs. What was not expected, however, was the preferred sale of the SOEs to NRM cadres and family members of President Museveni. Before sale, it was realized that the locals would not be able to buy all assets offered for privatization. Total SOE assets exceeded all the amount of money in the Ugandan Banks. While total SOEs assets were valued at Shs. US$ 1 m (Shs. 200 billion), the entire money supply was just shs. 50 billion and bank deposits stood at shs. 46 billion end of January 1989” (David Kibikyo – ‘Fiscal impact of privatization in Uganda 1992-2007’ July 2011, African Journal of Political Science and International Relations Vol. 5(7), pp. 371-387).

So, when the NRM comes to town and Busoga and says “vote for NRM we bring development”. Well, in regards to the Busoga sub-region. The NRM has brought the opposite. The President and his policies from the 1990s and early 1980s are the destructive means, which destroyed the industries of Jinja. That’s a fact and the sale of SOEs didn’t benefit the sub-region either. It was a drive to keep the inner-circle happy and the enrich his family. That’s what the gist of the privatization, which hurt Busoga and other owned state owned enterprises across the Republic.

The President can act like a visitor and as a stranger to Busoga in 2023. However, it is his will and his choices that put them there. He decided to take the International Monetary Funds (IMF) and World Bank (WB) funds that entailed the SAPs. The President didn’t mind the implications and complied, as he saw positive outcomes… profits internally and externally become beloved. Because, he followed “Washington Consensus” and traded the future of the nation for a few silver coins. That’s what he did and now his blaming the Busoga in part for their poverty. When he can be blamed and should carry a heavy burden for doing so. Peace.

Opinion: Is Norbert Mao living under a rock?

Government has since established that there are those who want to cause political change in Uganda whose human rights activism is from the posturing of changing Government. If your motive is to change Government, I think you better off playing that game from a political party rather than a civil society organization” (…) “You are actually safer in a political party because if you form a political party, your intentions are clear to evict the incumbent government and replace it with yours other than disguising under human rights activism” (…) “It’s not my duty to come here and sanitise the human rights situation in Uganda. I’m disgusted by it myself. I want to tell you that there’s no more image to protect in terms of human rights. The government is stark naked; I can tell you frankly” – Norbert Mao (15.11.2023).

Mirror, mirror on the wall! Who is the brightest of them all?

Well, it isn’t Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao. That is for certain, because his reasoning is falling out of any common sense. It is like we are living on another planet and that there are certain stipulations, which are in place and where rule of law exists.

Because, just reading these sentences from the Honourable Minister is just beyond me. He knows better and his currently serving this government. The Minister knows what is going on and acting like this disingenuous. Mao is insincere and cannot be saved…

When you speak like this and says these things. It is like we haven’t seen it and doesn’t know how the state operates. He acts like were oblivious to the facts and to the modus operandi. That we don’t know about the “drones” and about the sudden “kidnappings” or even extra judicial killings done on orders from the “high above”. This just the day-to-day operation and how they have decided to play this one out.

Norbert Mao can act this nonchalant at the venue. He can speak like this, because he doesn’t have to fear. Right now his a Minister and an appointed dignitary. His entrusted with this office and accepted to serve the President. That’s why he can speak this way and think we are all fools. Which we apparently isn’t and he cannot grasp that.

Even if you do start a political party and have the vision of a new government. Certainly, that party and the leadership will meet the authorities. They will be kept under surveillance and be on the radar of the intelligence community. The security apparatus will be on guard and suddenly attack, silence or even get rid of activists associated with the party. Because, that is what we have seen and continues to see. So, it doesn’t matter if you join politics or not. As long as you dare to question, stand-out and speak out. You endanger your life, no matter where you affiliate or assemble with.

As a Minister in the Republic. He should know this and have some privy information about it. However, he acts like there are special stipulations or rules, which the state abides by. When we have seen, heard and gotten the whiff of how they operate. There is nothing hidden in the realm of darkness. The lights are already cast over the shadows and we know the murky acts of the state. They have been revealed and the Minister cannot spin that.

Mao wishes he could act surprised or unknowingly. While he tries to be defiant and act as an opposition while serving in the government. His words aren’t that clever and we can see it for what it is.

Norbert Mao tried to outsmart someone, but it isn’t working on everyone. We know what his saying isn’t true. If it was so… why are so many kidnapped, arrested, detained, extra judicially killed and such who happens to be associated or a part of one political party, aye?

Mao, can you tell me? I need to know why? Why are the ones associated with People Power and National Unity Platform a target of the state? Why? What reason for it? When there supposed to special laws or reasons to allow political parties to exist? Why?

Answer me that riddle. Because, it doesn’t add up and then I know it isn’t legit. Peace.

Opinion: Kasolo needs a lesson of humility…

In future, government could pass a law in parliament whereby all the lazy-poor people would be given strokes so that they can also learn to work and become rich because we have discovered that some Ugandans need to be pushed into wealth acquisition,”– microfinance state minister Haruna Kasolo (Daily Monitor, 14.11.2023).

The two term minister for Microfinance and one term Member of Parliament, Haruna Kasolo have not understood or grasp humanity. There are levels to this and reasons for why people are the way they are. Everyone aren’t in the inner-circle or have options. Plenty of people are stuck in a rot and have very little wiggle room.

So, as a Minister who is lucky to retain his office after being defeated in the General Election in 2021. He should understand the plights of people. As a Minister he should find ways to inspire and get people active. Instead he wants to give them a capital punishment and incite more fear. That will certainly not give them incentive or reasons to change their lifestyle. It will only backfire and cause more resentment. As on top of their struggling day-to-day, the government would come with sticks and beat the living crap out of them.

Does the Minister have conscience or heart?

I hate to ask, but it only makes sense. He should try to use his office to reform and give people ways to get out of poverty. As a man of power and an office, he could actually help people out and make a difference. However, it is easier to be judgmental and practically lenient on your own watch. Surely, he decided when to show up and how busy his calender is. Not like he has to answer to anyone or if so… show up to a Committee and a Plenary Session every blue moon. So, he can take it easy and is off the hook.

That’s why it’s interesting that he says this. A man who spoken of the “prosperity gospel” so many times. A man who tried to speak and spread the message as he was told. However, it has apparently gone nowhere and he feels lost. That’s why his considering mental gymnastics and use of force.

To use brutality and violence will not give people the spirit or the drive to succeed. The state has to offer a lot more and plenty of other measures to make it possible. There is a need for change and reform, but not more violence. That is not a solution, but a way of showing the total disregard of fellow citizens or civilians for that matter.

The minister is forgetting who his serving and why he has an office. His there to serve the population and not be an intimidating figure. Neither be a man who orders pain or suffering. He should ensure the Microfinance schemes are working and actually helping the borrowers. Not only to serve and collect. Because, certainly this isn’t a good look…

Hon. Kasolo need to rethink his strategy. He needs another way and try to understand the minds and the spirit of people. Right now… his just one of them and his forgetting why people are in their situations. There is reasons for it and a beating will not help them. Neither is the humiliation or the pain, which they would suffer from it. They will only be more troubled and struggle mentally after it. Since they got beaten and they really don’t know why… and for what reason. That is a hopeless situation and one that could have been avoided, which means the Minister should have found another solution.

He should consider to implement reforms and open up the floodgates of bottlenecks, loopholes and other mechanisms to ensure people get out of poverty. However, his master and the inner-circle won’t do that… because that takes away their means to earn on a daily basis. Peace.

The Misadventure of Samuel Walter Mukaaku Lubega…

I wasn’t invited to the NUP headquarters unveiling, but I guess they just forgot. However, my input in the formation of People Power was immense. If NUP has a mother, I am the mother” – Lubega Mukaaku (07.11.2023).

Sometimes, someone should be happy that they were that close, but they were still that far. There was a reason why Mukaaku Lubega was an aspiring Member of Parliament for Rubaga South Division and ended up running on a Social Democratic Party ticket. He wasn’t the flag-bearer for the People Power Movement or the National Unity Platform (NUP). No, he ran on the SDP and the Democratic Party Block (DP Block) ticket of sorts.

He really thought he was special and had a unique role. A somewhat “main character” syndrome and being the character of your own movie. Where you are the one who makes the changes and who has the ability to make a difference. Alas, that wasn’t the case and he even caused a stir from within. Not only is his barking and tongue twisting rhetoric, after Bobi Wine didn’t follow-up or care to join the DP Block. He saw it for what it was and left it behind. While Mukaaku Lubega was already invested in it and had a role. Regardless of the pressure group standing or even possibility of gaining a momentum.

We can understand that the man wants to be seen as vital person. He desperately wanted to a MP and be respected by the NUP. In the People Power Movement he wanted to be seen as an achiever and become a voice. However, his own blind ambition and lack of self-control possibly destroyed it all.

You know it is bad when the NUP sacks you outright and take your out of a race. There is something shady then and something not acting right. It had to be the character and smelling trouble. This is why the NUP fielded Mukasa Aloysius Talton Gold who won with over 49,000 votes, wile Lubega himself got only 719 votes. Therefore, the NUP did the right choice and picked a more suited candidate.

When you write this in July 2023 to Bobi Wine: “The public has many doubts and is asking many questions. It needs answers. There is a growing feeling that the struggle is off the rails rendering no hope for change. There is need to have a frank reflection and evaluation of the past period, if possible correct mistakes and clarify the above unsettling developments in order to regain public confidence . We in the DP BLOC too need clarity on these issues to adequately inform our decision on our next course” (Lubega, 2023).

We can just see where he stands and what role his playing. A man who sought distrust and trying to discredit the NUP and the People Power Movement. It was within reason that NUP in their time did sack him outright. Maybe not in the best manner, but the way they saw fight. Because, they knew he was a liability. That’s why he wants to be of vast importance now.

He wants glory and tell tales of old. Since he was in meetings and interviews. He was canvassing votes and trying to drum up support. Yes, he did so, but so did plenty others and they didn’t try to aim for roles or titles. However, you sought for that and got that in the DP Block. A place where you belonged and where you had history as a Young Democrat of sorts. Therefore, this tale today is bonkers and beneath you.

Lubega should know better, but apparently his not. Well… main character syndrome is powerful and can distort someone vision. Peace.

Teso Affairs: The failure of Soroti Fruit Factory Part III – Who are they, Mzee?

From one acre of apples, you can get a lot of money. The problem was on our side: planning. We tried to build a fruit factory in Soroti, but it was poorly built, I think they stole the money. That is why I was now struggling with Olivia to see whether we can get private investors” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (02.11.2023).

The Republic of Korea invested 8 million dollars towards the construction of the factory, equipment installation and training of Ugandan staff to operate the factory. The Ugandan government contributed 2.2 million dollars. The Ugandan contribution catered for land acquisition and other utilities” (David Tumusiime & Ddumba Lawrence – ‘KOICA sponsored Soroti Fruit factory ready to open doors for business’ 18.04.2019).

When hearing the quote from the President. My mind boggled for a minute. Who are they?

Is it the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) or is it the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC)? The Ugandan Government have invested into the Soroti Fruit Factory for years… So, who are “they”?

When the President speaks about planning, that has been proven by a Committee Report from the Parliament last year (2022). That report stated the Factory was built for another type of fruit than the preferable or the ones that is mostly produced in the region. So, the government through UDC and KOICA invested in Mangos, but the Teso Sub-Region is known for oranges. Therefore, why did you do this in the first place).

The second report last year (2022) stated the Factory had 2 year old orange concentrate, but didn’t know what to do with it. Neither had the factory the manpower or the storage to have fruits from the regions farmers. Therefore, the factory itself isn’t able to add value to the agricultural sector. Neither does it has a packing line or other things it needs to make tradeable juices. Which is one of the massive ways to trade and use fruit. Alas, another proof of the lack of planning for the ones who built it.

We know that the Government of Uganda has budgeted funds for the Soroti Fruit Factory for years, but nothing has improved. There been plenty of budget posts and investments from the state. Not like they only built it and forgot about it. No, there been steadily funds for it. However, nothing has helped…

It is just strange that the President says someone stole funds, but not mentioning who… when the state and others was involved. There was surely lots of stakeholders… and the digging will find skeletons in the closet.

The Teso Sub-Region and their farmers deserves better. The citizens in general who has lost money from the public coffers. The state reserves and foreign investors who also spent funds did so to no avail. The promise of development and profits haven’t occurred. Not only lacking planning, but also accountability.

We can wonder who is “they”… and why he said “they”. Now we can just await if someone will ever find “them” and take “them” in. Peace.