A look into Museveni’s 61st Independence Day Speech

To be frank and honest, it is depressing. To assess yet another speech by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. A man who has been in office since 26th January 1986. It feels like forever and it is. The repeated sloganeering and usage of rhetoric goes old on a man. Just like the old age on Museveni who needs caine now or a staff as shown in pictures from Kitgum and Boma Grounds today.

I won’t dwell to much on the speech actually, because its a repetitive narrative and stories, which are only made to make himself and his administration look good. There are just as much a man can take and seldom has I felt so fatigued. It is just like the man will never stop and has no idea of when to retire. His just showing it and endlessly will take power and reign until his final breath. That’s why I am sure plenty didn’t listen to it or even care that it was forced on their radios. Because, why should they?

He has said the same-old same-old, again and again. There is no new knowledge or insights that will change their lives. There isn’t a formula or a trick in the speech that haven’t really been mentioned by him before. No, he continues to use scripture and act holier than thou. Even though he mercilessly abduct, detain and kills his opposition. Therefore, his faith is hallow and used as a shield for his autocratic behaviour.

Like it is hard to believe him when he says things like this: “The ideology of patriotism and Pan-Africanism, also promotes harmony among the People. That is why we no longer have a refugee problem while by 1986, Uganda was among the 4 top – Countries in the World, in Refugees’ generation. 500,000 Ugandans (mainly peasants) and a large group of exiles (mainly the elite) in the USA, UK, Sweden, Kenya, South Africa, etc. There were so many Ugandan doctors that had fled and working abroad. All the Refugees came back and the Ugandans who are still outside, are there voluntarily. The ideology of emphasizing interests rather than opportunistically manipulating identity, has, therefore, created more opportunity for prosperity, created stability and created capable institutions of State. It is one of the necessary ingredients for success” (Museveni, 09.10.2023).

It’s like we don’t know about people fleeing into exile and fearing prosecution or torture by his authorities. We know this and not all have left the nation voluntarily. That’s yet another lie and maybe not as high as under previous administrations, but certainly a brain-drain that has hit the economy and possible educated fields over time. Which means the lack of progress and development is hurting the republic long-term. That’s the “Unity” that he has created and certainly shows how he tries to portray himself in a perfect light. Even when its grim and dark.

Later in the speech his trying to act clever: “Ugandans, should not waste time worrying about aid, loans, etc. We do not need most of these loans. We happily work with all the Countries in the World that respect our Sovereignty. That is how the UN system should operate. No Country should interfere in the internal affairs of another Country. That is why we separate “Foreign” Affairs from “Internal” Affairs. Why should anybody catapult his values, through foreign affairs, into the internal affairs of another country? Human needs are similar – food, shelter, clothing, mobility, poverty, etc. However, their management evolves differently and at different speeds in the different Countries. It is wrong to try to export systems and values or to export Revolution (new ideas) or counter-revolution (old ideas)” (Museveni, 09.10.2023).

This is an retort to the World Bank ceasing funds after the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which was enacted this year. That in retaliation to that, the World Bank stopped funding and wouldn’t continue certain development funds. Meaning that the state would have to find other sources for fiscal funds for these or cease operating on them. That has hurt the state coffers and the planned efforts of the state. That’s why the President is so salty, because he feels the ramifications now and his government needs the funding. This is why sovereignty in his regard is important, but not that the World Bank is it’s own sovereign and work after their own mandate themselves. They have to responsible for their donors and the ones who forks out the money that Uganda was supposed to spend. Therefore, the principals in both aspects are fine, but Museveni wants it his way and not the other way around. No one is surprised by that in 2023 and if you are that, well… it was about time that you found out.

In the end of the speech he says: “With these 8 ingredients, Uganda is unstoppable. With these eight, talk of aid is laughable. We do not need aid” (Museveni, 09.10.2023).

These are the words of a donor darling in the 1990s and that’s years ago. It is compelling however to see and understand this sentiment. That’s because the aid and the grants are coming with strings attached. Those strings are blocking, stopping or interfering in the actions of the President. A President that doesn’t want to be accountable or transparent. Therefore, it is easier to stop aid or getting grants, than answering to the ones giving and following the guidelines for getting it. That’s easy to assess and understand.

It will be a long time before Uganda doesn’t need aid. Especially, after all the years of deficit financing and the lack of fiscal responsibility. The state needs fiscal stimulus and it isn’t grower a bigger tax-base or GDP to ever compete with the rising expenses. Meaning someone has to cover the shortfall. In the short term that is either loans or aid. That’s up to the President to decide, but overtaxing people won’t be golden bullet either. Just so that is said… and that will only hurt the economy even further, as the spending power is weakened by that and it will stop money from circulating in the economy.

So, the last laugh is for everyone else and not Mzee. Peace.

Uganda at 61: Not yet Uhuru… not yet Amani…

Today there was an Independence Day celebration at Boma Grounds in Kitgum district. While the dignitaries are celebrating themselves and bashing in glory. The truth is that the 61 years of independence from the British has been partly wasted. That in particular the recent regime that hasn’t served the interests of the people or developed the nation.

That’s why it’s not yet Uhuru. There is just a partly independence or liberation. Because, the internal affairs of the nation is still a disgrace. While the President and his cronies had a fine time in Kitgum. There was tear-gas in Kamwokya and even Bishop William Tomusange was arrested. As the opposition party, National Unity Platform (NUP) had planned a prayer for all the political prisoners on this day. Alas, that was blocked and even high ranking officials got arrested today.

The honourable mentions are Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya and Spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi. These two was arrested at the NUP Headquarters, later taken to Kiira Road Police Station where they was detained. 

This is just telling of the state of affairs. There is a rot and a mismanagement from the top. As these things are just politely showing what is wrong with the nation. It comes from the “high above” and the choices they make. The inner circle of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the authorities that follows orders.

This is the NRM Way and everyone should just blindly obey. That is the right way of passage. There should be no dissent or no defiance to the ones in power. Because, the old man is the only man with a vision. At least that what he used to say and now we see how the whole thing is shattering in front of our eyes.

There is progress, development or any sort of historic landmark that gets things future. Only re-issuing old tricks and calling them new names. While doing the same scheme and taking the people for granted. Excepting mediocrity and lacking government services. Meanwhile high ranking officials are getting medical treatment abroad or educating their kids there too. The hospitals are in a shoddy state and so are the schools. Police Stations and the quarters for the officers are also in a bad state. There is little working and it’s continues, year in and year out. It is just to be expected and the only thing partly working in the Prisons Service, which is vastly important to keep the dissent at bay.

I understand why many is troubled by today. That there is a need for restrain and a lack of happiness. That’s because the kicking out of the old master didn’t give the republic a better master. Instead it got another one who is more ruthless, lying and conceiving. A man who uses forces and keeps everyone in order. A leader who has no troubles in stealing, killing or corrupting people’s minds. As long as he remain on the throne and everyone just begs him for mercy. That’s the state of affairs and it’s tragic.

Uganda is at 61. It has had 61 years and since 1986 it has only had one President and he has ruled supreme. He has tried to make himself a legend and extraordinary. Tried to make himself into the father of the nation. Little by little trying to rewrite history, but also ensure his legacy lives on. While his achievements has failed and his governance is bonkers. There is little to show for all the years in office and only that he was out for blood. That all he has and there is less and less appetite for actual service delivery. Instead it’s more of the same and living by the slogan of “no change”.

Museveni isn’t an enigma, but a man of many seasons. However, those seasons has taken a toll. The years has shown his true character and he cannot hide the truth anymore. There is nowhere to hide in 2023. When you arrest a bishop and political opposition on Independence Day. You know you are in the wrong and should act differently. Nevertheless, for the President and his regime its just another Monday. Peace.

Bobi Wine’s Return: We knew Bobi Wine would be in trouble…

The announced 1 million march was the signal that the authorities needed to strike. They knew when Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine would arrive at Entebbe International Airport. That meant they could plan the day and ahead of time coordinate all the different security units in- and around the greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. This meant they could fix the roadblocks, ensure extensive safety procedures surrounding the airport and everything else.

That is why so many journalists, activists, MPs and others was scorned today as well. Because, this was bound to go down. There are many who are in jail right now for participating or trying to greet Bobi Wine at Entebbe. They are now punished for saying “hello” to someone. That is the gist of things and others behind bars just by mere association with the National Unity Platform (NUP).

That’s why scores of people are behind bars. While Bobi Wine himself is under house-arrest and we don’t know for how long. We know they will keep him there a while now and do it longer than the 48 hours stipulated by law. However, that doesn’t count for dissidents, but only for others. That we have seen over the years and the same procedure happens again and again.

Today was no difference… today was like it was scripted. We could write it in advance and he was arrested on the tarmac. Whisked away by security operatives and later dropped off in his own home in Magere, Wakiso District. Where the security guards of the home was ruffled with and the roads going to Bobi Wine was also besieged. That’s just how these stories goes and later we will know all the various charges pinned on people for today. There will be all sort of foolery going on, as we know the gist, but they cannot say that out loud. That would against the constitution and the rights to assembly, which means the state or authorities has to find other excuses for the detained people.

Some says today should be lesson. Well, it is return of the same old problems. The same state and its authorities that bashes itself in glory at Kololo Independence Grounds, but outside of that is going totally crazy against the dissidents. That happened at the same time and within the same city. One place there was happy speeches and glorious state affairs. While minutes away people was arrested, brutally detained and others was blocked by the police. Roads are sealed off and people using longer time to commute. Therefore, today was a bad day and not a learning experience.

Not like we haven’t seen this movie before under Museveni. This is a return of a well known chapter and franchise in the NRM Way. We have gotten to know this reoccurring events and they transpire like this. While the cronies and appointed leadership will downplay the whole ordeal or make it insignificant. We still saw what lengths they go to stop one man from not only entering as an ordinary civilian, but letting him assemble people or generate a welcoming ceremony. That is obviously a cardinal sin and only H.E. can have his entourage at Entebbe. The rest have to peasants and idle nobodies who cannot interfere in his sphere.

That’s why we know Bobi Wine would be in trouble. The moment the NUP announced the plans for a special return. That’s when we knew this was in the cards and the deck was shuffled in his disadvantage. There was nothing for Bobi Wine to gain. His getting sympathy and people know his troubles. He challenge the Gods, but they are unforgiving. They are relentless and will not give way. No, that’s not happening anytime soon.

Today is another proof of that. As long as the centre holds… there is little to nobody who can conquer it. Especially with soft-power and with usage of people power. No, that will not overcome it and not at this speed. The nation is numb and has seen these sorts of things play out so many times before. Without any changes and after a few days of house-arrest. Nothing will be any different and things will go back to normal. Because, that what matters… and Bobi Wine has continue the fight without getting anything out of it. Only a few headlines and some international press writing about it. However, elsewhere there is nothing to gain and there will be little fanfare. Only more of the same.

H.E. will prosper and others will suffer. Just like yesterday and the day before. Peace.

World Liberty Congress (WLC): WLC Calls for the immediate Release of Bobi Wine (05.10.2023)

Bobi Wine’s Return: UPF confirms his journey home…

We wish to inform the public that the NUP President, Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert was successfully escorted by our security team from Entebbe to his home in Magere. He reached his home around 11.20am, and is with his family and friends. Disregard rumors of his arrest by propagandists. Meanwhile, business activities and movements along Entebbe road, within Kampala and Gayaza, are flowing smoothly” (Uganda Police Force, 05.10.2023).

You cannot propagandize this one, the UPF is out of line and so is the authorities. If this was as peaceful and planned. The same ones wouldn’t arrest mobilizers the day ahead. Neither would journalists be arrested or other MPs for that matter. The authorities would act like this in Entebbe, Wakiso or in Kampala. Therefore, the downplay of their actions is infuriating.

If the authorities wanted things to be smooth. He would have checked in with immigration, gone through ordinary protocol as a traveller at an international airport and picked up his luggage before getting into a vehicle there. However, that was never the plan and the authorities arrested him with force on the tarmac of Entebbe International Airport. The pictures and videos are out going viral. Just showing what the state did. So, there is no turning backsies now.

This here just show what sort of oppression the state is up too and its a not a good look. They are just displaying it for the world to see. The citizens can see it too and that’s why they fear as well. Because, they will be in the slammer and we know the state bears grudges. That’s why people are behind bars today that was arrested during campaigns in 2020 and never been released to this day. It is just the way the regime operates in regard to Bobi Wine.

That’s why today is just a symbol of his rise to power and popularity. If they didn’t fear him. They wouldn’t act this way. If his voice didn’t matter, they wouldn’t send squadrons and officers in this manner. Therefore, we know Bobi Wine is important and is well regarded. That his political ambition and message is heard.

It is just tragic and we can wonder what excuses that will come next. We know that there will be MPs on bonds and Journalists too. Activists that will fight to be released, but will linger in jail because of today. That’s just normalcy under this regime. We have seen it before and it just continues…

It is tiring and exhausting, especially when the authorities could just let a man travel home. However, that’s too much to ask. Peace.

Bobi Wine’s Return: The arrest on the tarmac of Entebbe and whisked away to his home..

Today, as the scheduled arrival from the diaspora, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was arrested as he entered the soil at Entebbe International Airport. While roads have been blocked, MPs arrested, journalists arrested and other parts of the nation under siege.

The headquarters of National Unity Platform (NUP) been besieged. The home of Bobi Wine has been the same. Roads been put on roadblocks and opposition politicians has either been blocked from entering Entebbe or arrested on the spot. The authorities in full ammo and prepared to be hostile.

The 1 million march to Entebbe never happened. There was no joy or celebration. Only a massive appearance of security forces, which was prepared and ready. These have been ordered out in the streets. They have been checking every car destined for Entebbe. The area was also under black-out and clearly the state had no plan of giving Bobi Wine a safe journey home. No, they whisked him away and at the moment nobody knows where his at.

We can just speculate what reasons they will give. They cannot say he did some “offensive communication” or “incited to violence”. Because, the most violent ones was the security operatives who went after activists, journalists and MPs today and yesterday. They used violence and brutally went after the ones mobilizing the citizens to go to Entebbe.

By all means, we know the Police Force will fear-monger and they do so on the regular. They will pin something on Bobi Wine and the NUP. That is by default and they need an “excuse” for the arrest. Even if they are taking from it thin-air and with no justifiable reason to do so. There will be some lingering threat or facing judgement that makes no common sense. That’s because there was no common sense in acting this way either.

The arrest of Bobi Wine and others only shows how the state is lacking popularity. How it cannot contain and control everything. The regime is fearing that someone else is the star. They cannot accept that Bobi Wine is a political figure and with a reasonable popularity behind him. As they arrest civilians, politicians and journalists to silence the critics.

There are reports that after the arrest of Bobi Wine the security officers dropped him at his home in Magere, Wakiso District. That was done as anticipated, but not without ruffing up the security guards he has at his gates. They had to send a message and brutalize people even further. Just to prove their point. Just like when they confiscated journalists gear and arrested them for following the return of Bobi Wine today. It just shows how these things are and where the regime is at.

The ones defending this will find any excuse in book. We have heard it all before and this isn’t the first time the authorities of the Republic does this. No, they have done it before and we have heard the stories. It happened to Besigye and now it happens to Bobi Wine. The same ills of society returns and Bobi Wine just proves his power. When they have to turn up like this.

The current regime is showing its weakness and lack of sensibilities when it acts like this. It doesn’t have a heart or cautious mind. Just pure vile brutality and lack of self-control. As it takes a civilian and his associates as petty chicken thieves. Arresting and detaining people on the whims. That’s what they do and this is just showing the sinister side of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). As they are accepting the oppression and silencing of its critics. Peace.

Opinion: The danger of Bobi Wine’s return…

Tomorrow after visiting the diaspora and been active abroad, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine returns. There been planned march to welcome him home this time around. He has before travelled across the continent and overseas without any sort of action. Maybe because of the suspension of the mobilization tour and authorities ring-fencing him. The National Unity Platform (NUP) sought to use this strategy to show his popularity.

Certainly, the authorities are on alert. They have already arrested people in Wakiso, Entebbe and in the Greater Kampala Area. That’s all happening on the day before his arrival. It is just like the idea of showing up and greeting Bobi Wine is illegal. Just like they made it illegal to wear the red berets. Everything Bobi Wine and the NUP touches becomes a criminal activity. If not “terrorists” shows up and becomes a sudden threat to their existence.

Surely, the Kampala Metropolitan Police will be busy tomorrow as they are blocking the roads in a common fashion around Kololo Independence Grounds, as the President and fellow dignitaries are celebrating another “special day” there. That just happens to coincide with when Bobi Wine returns. We know that the President doesn’t want to share the spotlight or the stage with any other fellow. Therefore, we should expect the following tomorrow.

When Bobi Wine enters Entebbe from the plane. He will be whisked away into a “drone” and be silently taken away to another police post. Where his arrested “pre-emptively” to safeguard the community and “himself”. While they will say he did some “bad communication” or caused “havoc”. Either way they will leave him there for a few hours.

Later they will take him into another vehicle and transport him directly to his home in Magere, Wakiso district. Where there will be ready road-blocks and such all the way to Kampala. They will be in preparation for his return. As if he was an arch nemesis and a convicted felon. That’s what is coming for him. They will later address the fact and say his house arrested and not allowed to leave his home.

That’s what I am anticipating out of this. There is to much noise and the authorities will shut it down. It causes pain and suffering for the ones on top. They cannot accept this and Bobi Wine is just a nuance to them. The President is preparing his speech and fellow dignitaries the photo-shoots to look smart. They don’t need Bobi Wine to destroy the party and the festivities. No, they need to bash in glory and let the peasants do what they do…

We should anticipate more arrests, more kidnappings and sudden “drones” appearing in the next 48 hours. As the state is on high alert. They are not letting this one slide. It is like there is a will and way to just take people into custody. Just to prove a point and make their political activism illegal. That’s really it. Peace.

Obusinga wa Rwenzururu has returned, but the ones lost isn’t forgotten about just yet…

After close to seven years of no occupancy, the once glamorous palace of the Obusinga wa Rwenzururu lies in ruins. Overgrown grass and dilapidated structures are what Charles Wesley Mumbere found when he returned to his kingdom” (NBS Television, 04.10.2023).

The day of the 27th November 2016 will not be lost on us. As the mass-graves was hastily built and the people who killed was buried. The Buhikira Royal Palace was burned down, while Royal Guards and others was killed. As the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Special Forces Command (SFC) had “shoot to kill” orders, as they where trailing the “Kirumamutima” aka “The Strong Hearted” and even the ones that was supposed to work for the “Yiira Republic”. Which all has ceased and never heard of since the day of the massacre in Kasese.

The culprits and the ones in-charge on that lethal day has been living lavish. They have gotten promoted and gotten into good graces with the government. While the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu and 217 others was kept behind bars for years. They were all charged with serious offences and blocked from being on bond. Some died behind bars as the years went on from 2016… and that just show the sinister side of all this. People didn’t just die on that one day, but other victims happened later as a consequence of the brutality of the state.

That’s why it is hard to celebrate today. I see the pictures and the crowds celebrating the Kings return to Kasese. That’s all long overdue and the charges pinned on him was all “political”. It was done to undermine the Rwenzururu and the Rwenzori sub-region, which has for the most part voted for the opposition of late. Therefore, to take down the King would be a fitting message from the authorities.

They used a “terrorist” threat and “insurgency” as a way of masking their own interests in Kasese. That’s who defended their atrocities and massive murder spree. The November Day in 2016 will be forever marked in memory. As the burning palace and the knowledge of a massacre went down, which have never gotten rectified. There been no honest investigation or arrests of the ones who ordered it. That’s because this was accepted and done so from the top. The victims became the “culprits” and the “criminals” while the actual ones are left off the hook. That’s the double tragedy here…

That’s why it’s not strange that the King comes back to a destroyed court. His palace is gone and whatever that remains is only a faded memory. As he has been years in exile and in prison. Him and his fellow guards all suffered. Not only the lives of loved ones, but also loss of ordinary life. They couldn’t return or rebuild. These people was stuck in prison and couldn’t fix things again. The victims couldn’t mourn or even try to grief. They were in a legal jeopardy and seemingly there was no return in sight.

We know the Generals involved will not be touched. They are above it all and so is anyone else. Therefore, a real investigation could only happen after a transition of power and possible new leadership of the Republic. Because, the current one doesn’t targets its own and the ones loyal to its causes. That’s why we know the ones behind Kasese massacre of 2016 gets away with it. Not because its righteous or fair. No, because of titles and statures within the regime.

A regime that don’t mind the killing, murder or massacre to stay in power. It sent a signal and a region was hurt. A region that is still hurting and without answers. They deserve it, but will not get it currently. That would undermine the powerful ones today and the ones who wants to be in power tomorrow. Peace.

Opinion: AFCON 2027 will be a “bonanza” like CHOGM in Kampala

I received good news that our joint bid with Kenya and Tanzania to host the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 2027 was successful. I thank the organizers for putting up a good case for East Africa. This will promote our countries and positively impact our economies, especially the tourism sector” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 27.09.2023).

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) was held in Kampala back in 2007. Ever since then there was massive scandals with procurement and the monies spent on it. The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 is a new avenue which the current regime can use for the same purposes.

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and Confederation of African Football (CAF) are the two organizations that will be responsible for the football in Uganda. While this is a joint bid with Tanzania and Kenya. However, I will solely discuss the narratives and possible junctions that affects Kampala especially. Nairobi and Dodoma will have their own issues and stories, which are interesting in itself, but I cannot dig into everything at once.

That’s why with the knowledge of FUFA and CAF they now have to coordinate with the Government of Uganda (GoU). This means that the Wife of the President will be involved, Janet Museveni. As well as other handlers of the state. Meaning President Museveni will have a say and we know Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga too, as he wants to promote sports for the youths. That is sort of his side-gig as a Senior Presidential Advisor and Presidential Candidate through the “MK Movement”. Alas, here is the problem already… and a family affair out of the gate.

We know that Janet has praised anything good on the sports sides of things, but she have never offered any papers, policies or documents of that nature in Parliament. She has never been tested or questioned by Members of Parliament either. Not in the latter years and her portfolio hasn’t been properly tested even.

The fall guy for the government isn’t Janet. No she is safe regardless because of her bedmate. However, the other Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang can easily get the axe. He has got to get the Namboole Stadium ready and possibly others too. In the joint bid there had to several of stadiums promised and also other measures to ensure not only safety, logistics and public transports for fans. Meaning the Minister and FUFA have to move fast. These things aren’t moving quickly and with that in mind.

The time aspect and the possibilities of shady inside dealings. There will be wheeler-dealers, quick-fixes and troublemakers. There will be people within the NRM and the First Family who wants their cut. The Kitchen Cabinet will be ready to find their venue and get pocketed. That’s what they do and this a perfect enterprise. As CAF and FUFA needs it ready and the NRM will arrange the matter. The costs will sky-rocket and there will be “missing funds”. Alas, CHOGM Money scandals and other epic stories.

We have Yoweri, Janet, Muhoozi and others who wants their piece of the pie. There are so much money suddenly and a bonanza of tenders. This will make Dott Services look like pocket-change. There will be vehicles, buses, food and construction tenders, which all have to honoured and services rendered. It is just a massive load and bottlenecks will come quickly. The GoU and the stakeholders suddenly have to fix things and they need to do so in stipulated time. Because, AFCON 2027 will happen and they have to comply. Meaning they cannot postpone and make it a forever project like the Northern Bypass or other prolonged “development” projects the state currently has. No, this has to made in short time-frame. That will cost, but also open up lots of opportunities.

This is a heaven for the ones looting and in need for a quick buck. They can just await the money-train and the allocated funds to make the nation operational and ready for the competition. It is also a golden opportunity to make the Republic shine and look extra good. The AFCON 2027 can be a winning stroke of genius, but can also be a heist. A perfect heist and a winning lottery for the insiders or members of the Kitchen Cabinet. There is certainly now enough funds to go by and now they eat. Peace.

Democratic Party (DP): DP to Challenge the High Court Ruling in a Case filed by a Disqualified Candidate for Secretary General (26.09.2023)