Uganda: National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) – Update on the Media Blackout on Government Activities (21.07.2023)

Opinion: ANT is a place of stagnation…

We can all appreciate the wits, the wisdom and the experience of the Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu. He is a seasoned politician and has character. Muntu is a man you can respect and acknowledge. There is a certain aura about him, but that doesn’t save him from criticism or questions about his demeanour.

When he didn’t become the incumbent Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party President he started his own consultation and with the reach of a “New Formation”. That in turn became the political party of Alliance for National Transformation. Several of allies from within the FDC joined him. Not only Paul Mwiru, but Alicia Aloso and Winnie Kiiza for that matter. These are well established former MPs and people who has a standing in the political sphere.

Muntu went ahead and created this party. He did so with under two years to the next general election. Leaving the FDC and getting fellow allies from the FDC on board. Which should have created a bigger buzz and more of prominence in the 2021 elections. However, that fell flat and the party is seemingly a brief-case party with lack of nationwide exposure.

Maj. Gen. Muntu might be a pragmatic fella. His fellow allies might be seasoned and diplomatic in their way of response and political outreach. It is fine that a political party wants to do civic education and build. Alas, they need high-ranking officials and needs people in offices across the Republic. If not its a party with a headquarters and a few paid staff.

ANT can have the best paperwork and policies. Heck, it can be answer to all the ills of the Republic. However, if it only stays within reach of a few chosen few and not spread far and wide. Well, it looses its value and is less attractive.

Muntu and his fellow inner-circle has chosen this path. They are careful and calculated. These folks don’t risk anything or push the boundaries of the party. No, they are just attentive and trying to catch straws when it can.

We cannot fault Muntu, everyone knew he was this way as he disregarded the way Besigye wanted to run the Presidential Campaigns. We know Muntu didn’t want no “defiance” and “boycotts”. No, he wanted to work and change from within. Like it was possible to negotiate and possibly parley for a better position over time. However, we have seen that it haven’t resolved anything and is a fruitless enterprise.

ANT from a far seems stagnate and on the losing end of a stick. In a more friendly and equal playing-field of multiparty democracy…. The ANT would have better position and be more viable. People are reluctant to side with them when they are not pushing against the oppression. When ANT are meagre and mediocre response to the mischief and the misgivings of the state. ANT could be poignant and sincere about it, but it rather be soft and clever.

Muntu and his inner-circle has to see what happened when an ally like Mwiru left the party. Mwiru was a part of his party-wing in the FDC. He now sees that there is no future and choice of viability in ANT. That’s why his becoming a journeyman to the NUP. Muntu should take this too heart. Because, sooner or later the voters, the members and whatnot might follow too. They are not seeing anything hopeful or substantial.

The only see the wise and the well thought through approaches that leads to nowhere. It seems so futile and slow. Muntu might have the best of intentions, but it seems so far-fetched and like his forcing his hand by not taking a proper stand or even pushing the party to prove its worth. If it wanted too, ANT could be more viable and be more visible. It could show heart and where it stands. However, that seems like too much to ask. It is a reason why the Serere By-Election didn’t go ANTs way. There is no reason to vote for it and hard to believe the pragmatism will be defining the opposition or the manner of which will be end of the dictatorship. Peace.

Opinion: Butchaman sold his soul and now he wants to reclaim it…

Without me NRM was not going to defeat Bobi Wine. I would like to thank President Museveni for appointing me as his advisor, I promise to be loyal to him. My brother Bebe Cool told me that Bobi Wine has one trick that he beats them with, he does not respond to people who attack him. I would like to tell you that I have come with 45 tricks to end Bobi Wine’s political fame” – Butchaman aka Mark Bugembe on 29th October 2019

Well, it is just one of those days… Mark Bugembe alias Butchaman has found out the hard way. Back in the day ahead of the 2021 elections, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) was doing whatever it could to be viable and relevant in the ghettos. That was done because Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was a rising star there and becoming a leader of his own. Therefore, President Museveni sought after allies and friends of Bobi Wine to boost his campaign.

One of the men and people that the NRM captured was Butchaman. He was promised a fancy title, a livelihood and being closely associated with the President. He became all of a sudden the Presidential Advisor on Ghetto Affairs. That was done to hurt Bobi Wine and the People Power Movement.

Alas, while that was done in October 2019. There was other who followed him and these has also gotten scorned. In the hey-day and the beginning they will get all the perks. However, that will not last… because they aren’t bringing much to the table. They where poached to hurt and be the demise of another political leader. That’s why they are appointed and why they left the side of former friends of Bobi Wine. It’s all for Museveni to show his power and might. That he could sway them and get them under his roof.

Now we are in the middle of July 2023 and the 2021 election is a fading memory for some. Even if the ramifications of it is still felt to this day. Families are hurt, families are without their fathers or mothers, as they are detained for their political affiliation. If not they have lost loved ones just for associating with Bobi Wine. Because that all happened before and after the polls. That’s a fact… the state didn’t just alter the results and rig the elections. It also hurt the ones who stood tall and are still standing.

When you know this and read that Butchaman is disappointed that he only see Museveni on the TV and wants to return to Bobi. It’s just like… why bother now? You ditched him when he needed you and when the Movement, and party was getting operative. That’s when you moved to a safe-haven and securing your own self.

Maybe the man should use the 45 tricks of his sleeve and change the narratives of his own life. Maybe the supposed Presidential Advisor could give some solid advice for ones. I know I am asking a lot, but I am indifferent about this man. He sold his soul and he has to carry that burden now. He cannot just reclaim it and get accepted into the fold.

Butchaman thought he had gotten the trophy and the prize. He thought he was the next big thing and what the NRM was missing. Alas, he couldn’t see that they was just using him as a prop and a plot to undermine Bobi Wine. While that didn’t last or work. They are just leaving him behind and forgetting about him. He is of no use and certainly, why should the NUP or the People Power Movement trust him?

He already accepted the bag and the title. Butchaman can easily do it again. Peace.

Opinion: Akena Vs. Museveni – Who is telling the truth?

“We don’t have anything signed. I always tell people that UPC has nothing signed with the NRM and we are free to carry out our activities” – James Akena (10.07.2023).

“Congratulations to our allies, the UPC and for the candidate, Eunice Apio, for winning the Oyam by-elections. Congratulations also to the NRM and the candidate Engola Junior because the difference between the two was very small” (Museveni, 07.07.2023).

We have seen how the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) operated in and around the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ahead of the General Elections in 2016. Later we have seen how meagre and silently the party has moved on a national level. It isn’t like the UPC have renegaded or acted in spite of the NRM. No, it is having been friendly and done so by a large extent over the years.

The story that Akena tells on NBS Television is in stark contrast to what Museveni wrote after the Oyam North By-Election. These words cannot co-exist. The UPC is either in an alliance with the NRM or it isn’t.

We know the UPC can work with and has been in partnership with the NRM before the 2016 General Elections. However, what is happening now in 2023 that’s another ballgame. While the UPC will be questioned, and we know they are familiar. Since, the wife of Akena, Betty Amongi is a cabinet member and a UPC MP. She is planning also to cross over to the NRM. Like plenty of other high-ranking officials, which has been purged from the UPC to the NRM. It wouldn’t be a historical achievement, but still a sign of how close the UPC and the NRM are at the moment.

It isn’t strange that the UPC wants to act independent. The UPC can see how the DP and Norbert Mao is seen. That vision and that sort of arrangement is costing in public. They are becoming cronies and part of the government by default. Instead of being defiant or in opposition. That is directly supporting the vile, the oppressive and the dark sides of the NRM. Which DP or UPC really doesn’t want to support, especially when it wants to be seen as different than the regime.

Jimmy Akena wants to save face. The writing of Museveni is hurting him and his “independence”. Though he must go home to his wife, which is part of the cabinet and the inner circle. That’s why its hard to believe the hostilities… or the defiance, if there are any in general. Because would Akena talk ill of the man that his wife is siding with? Would you believe that or think that is wise?

That’s just how small the world is and how close associates’ things are in politics. The UPC can try to profile itself as independent and opposition. However, there been enough people fleeing the ship or suddenly becoming NRM to question the closeness between the parties.

We still don’t have the proper answer, but here is something going on between the parties. If it wasn’t, certain individuals wouldn’t consider to move parties. That’s a gist of things and that’s something the UPC have to live with. The questions would be asked and I don’t know if we will know the truth.

That’s why we should wonder why Museveni would lie about the alliance. When he doesn’t even need the UPC. He can only use them as pawns and as a historical factor, which he overcame. This might also be a factor to why Akena tries to act so independent and downplay whatever agreement or coalition they have. Because it weakens him and his ideals. It isn’t like he has vied for the highest office or challenged the NRM in any way since 2016. That is what is telling and shows there is something going on. Unless the UPC is that weak and cannot show old glory in this day or age. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s get-rich schemes haven’t reached the North…

In Oyam, I drove for 27kms, from Col. Engola’s home to Icheme and to Otwal, looking at the different sides of the road. I only saw some little patches of Muhogo (cassava) and maize. That is why at Otwal, I asked the question: “Cente (sente), tye kwene?”- “From where do you get money?” What has Operation Wealth Creation been doing in that area? No coffee, no fruits, no poultry, no piggery, no dairy and no fish farming. In otherwords, no PDM. As I told the Oyam People, I am going back in August to get an answer to that question. The chairman, told me about watermelons and soya beans. Those are not part of the activities for PDM. What is the cura (Kibaro)?” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 07.07.2023).

We all knew this was coming. It isn’t shocking or surprising really… Oyam North or Oyam district in the Lango region. Most likely what the President saw in Oyam, he could have seen in Kitgum, Pader, Lira, Gulu or Karamoja sub-region for that matter.

The issue of lacking government services and proper state functions are surely found all around the Great North. That isn’t just in the heart of Lango sub-region. No, that could be seen in the West Nile, Acholi, Karamjo and in Lango. All of these places are lacking and the micro-money schemes of the government has clearly not hit these regions as intended.

That the President says he didn’t see any OWC is telling. That means the Office of the Prime Minister over the years has failed. Secondly, it means that General Salim Selah haven’t done his duty or what he was intended to do.

We cannot be shocked that the OWC has failed and that the Paris Development Model (PDM) haven’t reached Oyam. That’s just a mere reflection of how the implementation of the state works at this time. It just shows how the central region is feeling it and maybe parts of the West and the East is eating of the plate. However, it takes more to get to the North.

What is funny about all this is that the state had a four day training of SACCO leaders and Community Development Officers in April 2023. However, those days earlier in the year haven’t brought any results or significant change. Which is why the President wants answers after seeing the failure of his prestigious government scheme…

The President has without a doubt cast doubt about his own efficiency and the output of his government. When he unequally states the lack of OWC and the PDM in Oyam. It is telling the world that his government has mismanaged it and haven’t succeeded. That’s a self-own and most likely not intended to be this way. However, that is how it can be perceived.

The ones who has followed knew the OWC and the PDM would fail. The NRM and Museveni would tell another story. Regardless of that… the truth is setting you free and the grim realities of Oyam is telling. This isn’t the only district or constituency where these schemes hasn’t worked. If you went anywhere in the North. I am sure it has never succeeded.

Most likely in any up-country place in the East or West the same results would be prevalent. Museveni and his micro-money schemes are nice for campaigns and a cheap trick to fool voters. However, it isn’t creating the needed development or the structure to change the economy. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee you cannot fool us now…

From the beginning we were telling you we are here for your good. I am not here looking for anything because I have got everything in my home. I have my cows and I’m not getting anything from the government. Even when we were fighting Idi Amin, we were not looking for anything personal” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (04.07.2023).

Maybe you could fool most people in the 1980s and in the 1990s. After the 2000s it became more hectic and after 2010s. Well, things has changed and after 2020… the whole charade is already over and the dogmatic stances of the National Resistance Army (NRA) and early National Resistance Movement (NRM) has become pointless.

President Museveni cannot sell this story anymore. His to wealthy, to rich and has vast fortunes. While his family is living lavish of the state coffers. The State House budget, the Office of the President and other confidential budgets are awash of slush funds for the President to spend. Meanwhile the enterprises, the businesses and the dealings from within is enriching him too.

So, the humble humility of the past isn’t believable. It doesn’t matter if he only traditional foods or wear only three pairs of knickers. Well, he might have a relaxed relations with his tailor too. Regardless, he has a budget and funds of abundance. He can spend like no tomorrow and the state reserves covers up the shortfall. That’s his gig and he can lie about it, but it doesn’t make it true.

That’s why these words to the people of Oyam North is false. We know and he knows it too. He just have to sound like the humble revolutionary and the average man. While his living the life of a billionaire and having luxuries, which others would die for. That’s why his convoy is so pristine and he has guns by a dozen around him at all times. He got to be guarded, his not only the Head of State, but the wealthiest man of the nation.

President Museveni and his family is the riches. They own the Republic and they eat from everything. They own farms, businesses and whatnot all around. There isn’t anywhere on the map in the Republic where the family of Museveni isn’t involved. It isn’t for a reason that the close kitchen cabinet and the family affairs becomes hectic or even turns into a national spectacle. That’s because their vast influence is everywhere. That’s done on purpose and for private profits.

The President can speak softly and say these things aren’t personal. However, he wouldn’t have fought in the bush or did the war, if it didn’t benefit him or his allies. That’s what it has done and the elite surrounding him is all anointed by him. Therefore, to say these things without hesitation says it all. This is who Museveni is and what his willing to say.

He wants to preserve an image that is long gone. His not the humble dude in the 1980s and fresh out of warfare. No, his a man who is in his advanced age and who has prospered under his own reign. The Republic haven’t developed in the same manner, but that wasn’t the point either. He has secured his family and his clan for generations. That’s what he has done…

We know better and he should know better too. However, we know he won’t adhere or listen to that. His to deluded to think otherwise. The delusion is real and he still thinks his a barefoot soldier coming from the bush. While his a wealthy man whose richer than god, telling poor people to live within their means. That’s what he does and he does it proudly too. Peace.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni letter to Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke – “Brief on Bukedea District Chairperson BY – Election held on 14th June 2023 (26.06.2023)

Mabaati Scandal: The big fish is off the hook…

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) discontinued the prosecution of ministers and other top officials implicated in the iron sheets saga following the intervention of President Museveni, the Kampala Report has learnt. On Saturday, DPP Jane Frances Abodo said she had closed 17 files on the theft and diversion of iron sheets meant for Karamoja after they found that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed with 17 case files of suspects. This means Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and Speaker of Parliament Anita Among who had been implicated, will not be prosecuted” (Mike Opio – ‘REVEALED: More details emerge on why DPP dropped charges against Nabbanja, Alupo, Among in iron sheets scandal’ 25.06.2023, The Kampala Report).

You cannot make this stuff up, but it is apparently the case. The DPP is not charging several high-ranking officials. That means what we all suspected that some Ministers and people within the Office of the Prime Minster (OPM) would be the fall-guys or the ones that has to fall on the sword to let other off the hook.

This is the National Resistance Movement (NRM) after all. The famous NRM Way and its guidance to control and besiege power. That’s why the Vice President, Prime Minister and Speaker doesn’t get challenged or arraigned in Courts.

The Junior Ministers and low hanging fruits like Agnes Nandutu, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Amos Lugoloobi. Where all implicated and arraigned in the courts. While we are seeing others getting off the case and don’t have to answer for their actions.

It is very telling that there are certain people who can avoid the law and law enforcement. While others can be implicated, indicted, and charged over the same matter. It just shows how frail and personalized the law enforcement is.

The law and the codes of law should be blind to an individual. The Courts should arraign anyone involved no matter their position or office. Especially, if Rule of Law exists and is a given.

The Mabaati was stolen and didn’t go where it was intended to be. The Ministers and High-Ranking Officials took it for personal benefits. If it was to serve their constituencies or directly build on own properties. It doesn’t really matter, because the iron sheets were destined for Karamoja sub-region and not wherever the high-ranking officials reside.

This scandal just proves what we already knew and how the NRM operates. The NRM and the President speaks loud against corruption. However, when it is their own who does it… it just doesn’t matter and ceases to exist. That’s what they do, and the people are suffering. The NRM is there to eat, and they do it in plenty fold.

The public coffers are a slush-fund, and the development projects are excuses to find a decent meal. That’s how things are looking, and this isn’t good PR. Especially, if the NRM wants donors or want to build public trust. It is shattering how little concern they have for their own activities and looting. For everyone looking, it’s just another day and another scandal for the whole world to see. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee don’t need working ministers…

“I was speaking to one of the ministers…he was joking with me and said when he was appointed a minister, he asked HE the President:   ‘What is the role of a minister now that you have appointed me?’ The President said: ‘Do not worry, yours…they write for you a speech. Just go and deliver, but make sure you have delivered it well,” Betty Amongi,Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development” (Daily Monitor, 22.06.2023).

If you ever wondered why certain ministers in the 80 Ministers cabinet, one Vice-President, one Prime Minister and three Deputy Prime Ministers. There is a reason why so many heads and offices exist. They are there to “deliver” speeches, but not sure of their roles. That isn’t strange either…

The cabinet is filled with duplications and massive undertaking of mandates. While several are under same portfolio and could practically serve the same purposes. In addition there are other government entities and other units, which also covers the workload too. So, it is not like all ministers need to a lot of heavy lifting. Because, technocrats, bureaucrats and even some civil society organizations fill the void.

It is really telling that the President since 1986 says this. A man who claims Ugandans are lazy and lack will to develop. When he has made a system of redundancy and over-bloated state apparatus. That’s what he has done and this is why Ministers feels like this.

If you ever wonder what Museveni has achieved. He has achieved to appoint several people to do the same job. The President has managed to create sort of a hectic system of entities and units, which are side-lining each other. In such a way that they are not sure what they should do or could achieve without a heads-up from the Head of State.

This quote from Hon. Betty Amongi only shows the true fashion and how things are operating in the Republic. The President don’t need working Ministers or people who knows their job. P

President Museveni is just saying he don’t need them to do much, but just acting honourable and deliver nice speeches in public. That’s all he needs… Peace.

Uncertainty looms in Kasese after the attack on the Lhubiriha Secondary School…

“Death toll now stands at 50!

UPDF soldiers have recovered more bodies suspected to be of those abducted by ADF rebels who attacked Mpondwe Lhubiriha secondary school, Kasese district on June 16, 2023,around 11:30pm” (Rise News Uganda Network, 19.06.2023).

“Following the brutal attack on Lhubiriha Secondary School in Kasese on Friday night, Kamwenge catholic parish priest Rev Fr James Isabakaki has asked members of the public to be security conscious and report to the authorities about any suspicious person” (87.9 FM VOK Radio, 19.06.2023).

“Following the attack on a school the Deputy RDC incharge of Busongora County said security had widened her investigations over whether the reported school ownership wrangles and the neighbouring community in the rebel ranks could have aided the deadly attack” (Kasese Guide Radio, 19.06.2023).

“Update: Reporter Ali Mivule updates us from Lhubiriha Secondary School in Mpondwe, Kasese, Western Uganda. Burials for the attack victims started yesterday. The report indicates relatives are anxious about the number of students suspected to have been abducted by the rebels. Families await DNA results for identification” (NTV Uganda, 19.06.2023).

Kasese is yet again hurt and suffering. This isn’t new and sadly won’t be the last. The innocent dies, while the evil prospers. That’s why children and people connected to them has been hurt. There is something not told by the authorities and by the ones in office these days. Because the stories are conflicting and not addressing the hurt.

This sort of sinister act needs an independent investigation by an outside body. Since no one really trust the Uganda Police Force or any other Security Agency in the Republic. They have in the past violated people in Kasese, and it could have happened again.

The Allied Defence Forces (ADF) haven’t taken responsibility or issued a statement in concern to the attack. Therefore, the allegations and pinning them is questionable at best. The ADF should have come out within 24 hours after the attack. However, it is radio-silence and no proof of it.

That’s why speculations are going everywhere, and people are claiming “ADF” is a scapegoat for someone else. It is easy to pin a rebel-group, but weird how it could get access and be able to do it inside the territories. Especially how close it was to a military base and with several of intelligence organizations have warnings about it in advance. That is just making the attack worse and seem very unprofessional of the authorities. They knew something was up, but they let it happen.

The victims and families will never be the same. The culprits will be unknown and will be politicised without any concerns of the grieving families. There so many who is scorned and suffering because of this. Kasese is yet again bleeding and for no apparent reason. No justification to do this and to innocent civilians who was just part of a school.

Right now everything stated would just be hearsay and the talk of the town. When we don’t have solid evidence or proof on the matter. Neither is their witness accounts on the conspiracy to attack the school. Until then, it would only be mere speculation and that will not bring the lives back or help the ones grieving. Instead it would only hurt and possibly get them to ask more questions about “why” and “how come” it happened right there and then.

We can only be uncertain right now. Lives have been lost and people abducted by a group of violent people who had no issues to trigger a lethal force on innocent civilians. That’s what they did and now Kasese district must suffer the consequences. It is just tragic and grim. To read the reports and hear about what went down. People are hurting and it’s a tragedy unfolding right in front of our eyes. Peace.