Opinion: “Be Frugal” isn’t a government intervention…

The President and his team making a statement of sorts… when they are claiming that “Be Frugal” is a short-term intervention of the state. That is really foolishness and inaction at its best. This is putting all the weight on the citizen and the population itself. They just have to be careful with every single shilling and the state will in the short-term not give you anything or any sort of substantial relief. That’s really the point here…

The state that is filled with nepotism and cronyism. A state so filled with government entities and ministries, huge budgets and salaries. A state that is overspending over capacity on bloated government structures, districts, counties and cities, which are not even able to absorbed in the budgets. That sort of government is telling it’s citizens to be frugal.

The high ranking officials and ministers are complaining about old vehicles. They are getting the state to pay for newest models and custom made to VIP treatment. While citizens are told to be frugal. A State House and an Office of President who is eating large every day. A President with over 130 Presidential Advisors and a cabinet around 80. Not in putting the amount of MPs who are the on the state payroll. In combination with the RDCs and everyone else who is directly appointed in combination with the elected officials both in local government and state level. This whole government is made to be a cash-cow and that’s before civil servants are even paid. The bureaucrats, the teachers, nurses or anyone else holding offices in a government entity. They are part of the play, but the politicians and their appointments are the expensive ones.

That’s why the message in the rising inflation, rising prices on basic commodities and food. The government answer to that: “Be Frugal”. Seriously, that’s it? That’s all you can do? Save some money you either have or don’t have. Wash yourself with less soap, buy less bread and don’t even think using your car. Cars and vehicles are only for the VIPs and the ones who has salaries that actually counts. They have also budgeted pay for air-time and phone-bills, so they don’t have to worry about use of data. Heck, these folks don’t have to worry about Yaka or paying the electric bills either. It is just prefixed and they are well-off because of their office.

Be Frugal”.

That’s all you got? When people don’t have money or currency worth a damn? It is not like the people had much to begin with, but now even less. Their currency or money is less valued as the prices are going up. The salaries are stagnate and the expenses are just going up. You cannot stop the ordinary expenses, it costs to live and it’s like the President and government doesn’t understand that.

The message is just insulting. This is the Cassava Republic and the Republic that is mirrored in the image of the President. It is what his created and his minions are proud of his messaging. However, it is flawed and it isn’t helping. It isn’t even helping himself, as his sitting on the pedestal watching down on people. The poverty is real, even if the President and his kind is “living” in a middle-income country. Peace.

A brief look into the Committee on Human Rights Report on Human Rights Violations in the Country from January 2020 to date

Today I will look into the Parliamentary report named: “REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS ON THE STATE OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN THE COUNTRY, PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA, FROM JANUARY 2020 TO-DATE” which is dated in July 2022 and received by the Clerk of the Parliament during August 2022. This report is important, as we know the usage of the authorities against dissidents, activists and others during the campaigns and after it too. So, that should be reflected in the report.

I will take out the quotes and statements, which is showing the true character of the oppression and how the state operates. It would be shocking if there wasn’t some sinister actions reported or information about. The news about these acts and the common knowledge of it should be mirrored here.

The report is bluntly very long and could be taken into plenty of pieces. As there are enough pain and suffering to speak about. I am only taking a little part of the greater picture. Just to show what sort of things the state does to the citizens during the election period. Because, focusing on to big parts it will be becoming erratic. There are so many stakeholders who supplemented the Report as well.

So there could be taken out so much material. However, here is just a small fragment and it still prints a bleak picture. I believe this is only the top of the ice-berg and we don’t know what is underneath the surface. The state would never release the whole picture, but only the cliff-notes. That is obvious here….

A brief overview of human rights violations:

It starts with: “the highest number of complaints reported to UHRC was torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (443), followed by deprivation of personal liberty/detention beyond 48 hours (378)” (…) “The Commission reported to the Committee that some of the law enforcement or security agencies wear civilian clothes, sometimes with their faces covered

in masks, while those in uniforms lack name tags. The identification of perpetrators is further compounded when there are joint operations by the Uganda Police Force, UPDF, CMI and ISO” (…) “The Committee notes that there was arbitrary deprivation of the right to liberty because of wrongful procedure of airest by Police and security agencies. Most suspects were held incommunicado and were not informed of the cases against them” (…) “The Committee noted that UHRC reported 90 cases of alleged deprivation of the right to life. However, the report did not contain any additional information on how each case was handled and the status of said the cases” (Report, July 2022).

Abductions during campaign season:

The Committee was informed that between the months of January 2020 and March 2021, the Uganda Human Rights Commission received 65 complaints of alleged disappearances of persons in the districts of Kyotera, Mukono, Kampala, Wakiso, Mpigi, Pallisa, Bundibugyo and Mityana” (…) “Some of the released persons allege to have been freed from the Special Investigations Unit in Kireka, Wakiso district while others contend they were produced in court and remanded to Kitalya Prison” (Report, July 2022).

HURIPEC reported that from the start of the official presidential and parliamentary election campaigns in November 2O2O, not less than 500 Ugandans were abducted, kidnapped, held in custody without trial or in military facilities and “safe houses”, or killed extra-judicially. HURIPEC

alleged that on November 18 and 191h 2020 alone, it was estimated that over 100 Ugardans were executed on the streets of Kampala in a bid to contain protests that were triggered by the arrest of NUP Party flag bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu” (…) “They further claimed that while a few of the citizens arrested in this onslaught were arraigned before courts of law, an unknown number were found dumped in jungles and other remote places; often in poor health, bearing torture marks. Some women reported to have been sexually violated- These acts have gone hand in hand with a growing practice of trying Ugandan citizens in military tribunals. HURIPEC expres concern that this is against the letter and spirit of Uganda s constitution” (Report, July 2022)

Rt Hon. Speaker, UJA reported to the Committee that several journalists were injured by security during the course of their work; covering the 2021 elections. A survey conducted by UJA, for the period November 2nd 2020 and May 12th 2021, they recorded violations of rights for over 50 journalists in form of physical attacks, confiscation of work tools, vandalism, tear gas and

pepper sprays, unwarranted arrests, detention and intimidation by the security forces and private citizens” (Report, July 2022).

Violations of the LDUs:

Local Defence Unit (LDUS) personnel were reported to have used excessive force, including beatings and extortion of money from Boda boda riders, food vendors and taxi drivers in Kampala, Wakiso, Entebbe and Jinja purportedly to enforce Presidential Guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021” (Report, July 2022).

This is grim, but sadly not shattering. We have heard and read similar before… it is sinister that a state can act like this and only show a little of it. They are drip-dropping about it, but never revealing the whole picture. That’s why we know… that there is so much more to it all and so many more cases, which has never been told. This is the real trick of it all.

No one should have gone through this, but there are plenty of more that never gets into print. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s address unravels his inaction

During Amin’s time, this small economy of producing raw materials collapsed. When we came, its only coffee and tobacco that were surviving. We came in to transform the economy from dependency to self-sufficiency” – President Museveni (05.08.2022).

The sheer amount of speeches addresses made by President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni is fatiguing. That the old man can speak for hours on end and time-travels as he does it. It seems like one of the few past times he actually appreciate and is maybe the reason why he does it. Because, he doesn’t say much new or compelling for that matter.

The President is just showing that he haven’t built a robust economy. His Excellency haven’t opened up for an industrial revolution. Neither is the Republic ready to go electric. The houses aren’t able to be electrified on a massive scale. So, why should the public go for electric cars, boda-boda’s and whatnot? When there is blackouts, loadshedding and lack of electricity up-country. The Republic aren’t prepared or have the tools to make it sufficient yet. Secondly, who can afford the electric cars and be able to charge them in-and-around Kampala for matter? A very few and they better be have an expensive insurance to make sure they get home. If their “luck” strikes with low battery and a serious blackout.

The same President that speaks of suddenly care for the Railways. A depilated and forgotten industry. A sort of tale not doing anything since the colonialist built it. The shoddy networks and lack of investment in it for years. Makes it less viable for transport of goods and not even an option for commute for people. That’s why the sudden care and will to speak of it seems like an ancient idea coming back to life. However, there aren’t much in the budgets or funding to make an attempt of reviving it.

Some people think politics is just talking and going to weddings and funerals. From the beginning, NRM told you that politics is a matter of life and death. If you handle politics badly, you will end up with bad results” (Museveni, 05.08.2022).

Mzee is really going in circles because he knows by the grapevine that the public are struggling with the inflation. However, his government will not do any or show any concerns about it. The taxes and the rising prices just has to be sustained. That’s why his talking yet again of not eating bread, adding additional rice and saying there are other solutions like cassava. This President don’t intend to do anything. While lecturing people on not buying second hand clothes. When there isn’t an industry of producing clothes that is there to begin with. Those sorts of stories just shows what sort of mess the President is at.

A President that has had over 36 years in office. Seemingly unaware or unbothered with the plights, pains and suffering of the people. That’s because his so shielded from the life of the citizens. This is why his returning on the screens and on the radio. Like an emperor who just have to order people around and give directives on the spot. Certain minister will now scramble and the PR team will now make the best of it. Kiira Motors will be stressed and so will other entities as well. Because, now they are supposed to be on the levels of Ford or Skoda for that matter.

If the old man thinks these sorts of addresses helps him. Well, I hate to say it, but it doesn’t at this point. It only shows how his regime, his legacy and all his work is tarnished. He don’t have the tools to transform or equip the nation to change to electric. Neither has there been policies, investments or at a scale to make it possible. That’s because the army has been the priority and the life-line of his reign. If the army had been the standard of good living and a prosperous nation, than Uganda would be utopia by now. However, that’s not how people live or people earns a living. He might not get that. Because, his addicted to power and only breathes by recognition.

The President in the likes of yesterdays address only undermines himself. Because, the talk of change from petrol to electric. Isn’t done swiftly and neither is there infrastructure to make it happen. That takes time, money and will, which never been there. This is why we know the petrol cars will run supreme and for ages to come. Since this man and his party cannot afford to do otherwise. This party cannot even stop the usage of kavera or polythene bags in the markets. Even if they have abolished and “stopped” the practice several of times.

So, it would be better for Museveni to hang up the mic and be mute for moment. Until, he and his cronies can actually achieve something. This is all posturing and big-talk, “hot-air” and wasted energy. Museveni could have used these hours to grazed his cows instead. That would have at least done the cows a service.

This speech was a waste of time… and we know the drill. His soon returning for yet another edition. Peace.

Opinion: 4 MPs issues a Motion to praise the SONA 2022 to get some recognition…

When it comes to the recent high commodity prices, caused, initially, by the re-launch of the world economy after the two years of lockdown and, additionally, by the war in Ukraine, our decision, after careful analysis, is to avoid the traps of tax cuts and subsidies” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (07.06.2022).

It is really a spectacle when 4 Members of Parliament uses time and energy to make a motion to praise the President for a speech he held on the 7th June 2022. The 4 MPs saw it fit and usage of their valuable time to speak of the glory of His Excellency. They are having a ceremonial act and showering the old man with the hat with positive vibes.

These MPs are:

Mover: Hon. Emely Kugonza, MP Buyanja East County

Seconder:

Hon. Michael Bukenya Iga, MP Bukuya County

Hon. Sarah Kayaga Netalisire, Namisindwa DWR

Hon. Okot Boniface Henry, MP Youth Representative Northern

It is really amazing that Kugonza MP, Bukenya Iga MP, Kayaga Netalisire MP and Okot MP who are all in on it. These 4 MPs have used their time in office to file a motion of praise and appreciation of the State of the Nation Address of 2022. That’s what they are using their time on.

This is clearly done so the President and the State House notice their existence. They wants to score-some brownie-points and get goodwill from the old man. The MPs wants to shed a positive light and show loyalty. They are using their time to give credit to inaction and lack of concern to the rising prices, the inflation and the lack of government help in the middle of crisis. That’s what the MPs are doing and it should be called out.

Going solar:

Once the solar powered irrigation pumps are on the market, the Government will buy them for some of the co-operatives or farming villages, where one pump can be shared by a number of small farmers” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

The MPs wants to envision the empty pledges which is so common placed in any speech from the President. The MPs must look forward to get “solar powered irrigation pumps” because I think that’s a mirage. The President promise a huge leap when he in the last period or last term was proud of bottle-Irrigation as a way of solving irrigation cheaply. This is just following the pledges of the President during the lockdowns, which was Village-TVs and Village Radios… that no one ever saw. Therefore, people should expect the same of the “solar powered irrigation pumps” as with other pledges, which shows this will never happen under his reign. It is to costly, a big burden and it will not be sustainable…

They are directly acknowledging a speech with this sentiment:

Another danger to our rapid social-economic transformation is the corruption of political actors and Public servants who do not only steal government money, thereby denying the population the services that money would have provided, but they also parasite on our business people. Business people and investors, do not feel beholden to these parasites. Expose both their requests for bribes and their schemes for frustrating those that do not pay bribes. Action will be taken for the benefit of the business atmosphere in the country” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

It is really vivid when someone calls people insects and parasites. This is a posture and tough talk, as his government is known for being corrupt and accepting graft. The same government that promoted and was proud of the “Presidential Handshake”. That way civil servants got kickbacks for photo-copying papers in a court trial winning the state money. The same President and Government calls the corrupt parasites. This doesn’t add up and still the MPs wants to sing psalms in the Plenary Sessions for greatness of the State of Nation Address of 2022. That sounds stupid, right?

So, I don’t get what the MPs are seeing in this speech. Unless, they are only doing this to give empty sloganeering and show their loyalty to him. That’s the true legacy of doing this sort of motion. Just to signal the State House and the Office of the Presidency. We can just expect a small acknowledgment from His Excellency.

The 4 MPs really wasting their time doing this. Instead of looking into the fallacy of the speech. They uses it to be in the good graces. The MPs are not using their time or their wisdom to actually make a difference. They are just there to bow down to the master and hopefully get a moment to kiss the ring. Peace.

Uganda: China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) – CNOOC Uganda Limited Kingfisher Oilfield Drilling Righ Shipped to Uganda (29.07.2022)

A breakdown of the vital articles of the DP-NRM Cooperation Agreement – ‘no surprises’

Yesterday the shocker of the Cooperation Agreement between the Democratic Party (DP) and National Resistance Movement (NRM) is finally revealed. This agreement is leaked as there is internal in-fighting in the DP Party and DP MPs wants change of the leadership of the party. Secondly, DP Party President Norbert Mao is already appointed as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. So, in that regard… I will digest and write what I see as important in the cooperation agreement that was signed yesterday.

Also, it is not a shocker that the agreement includes the DP getting an EALA MP, which they have tended to have. That’s why the DP has had one Member there, which happens to be Mukasa Mbidde who has had two terms and expires this year. That means the party needs someone else, because Mbidde has stayed the total 10 years in the EALA. So, an ally of Mao will be designated and picked for the slot, which is signed in the agreement. This is not giving up anything for the NRM who has offered this seat before to the DP. It is just continuing the partnership that way.

In addition, this is an agreement that gives both parties what they are asking for. The NRM seems to trading away things, but really they are not. They are getting a partner and a party which will follow their party line as government. That is initial parts of it and I will show that… It is not shocking, because it is not like President Museveni would trade away power or his ability to control the operations of government.

As I continue, I will first take an article from the agreement and right after it discuss it. Before, I in the end summarize and end it with a short take, which will not surprise anyone.

3. The Democratic Party agrees to cooperate with the National Resistance Movement in supporting the overall governance agenda and supporting parliamentary votes on matters of confidence and supply for the full term of this Parliament. In addition, the Democratic Party will support the National Resistance Movement Government on procedural motions in the House and at Select/Sessional Committees on the terms set out in this agreement. This will provide Ugandans with the certainty of a strong, stable Government with support from the Democratic Party over the next five years” (Cooperation Agreement between the Democratic Party and the National Resistance Movement, 20.07.2022).

If you think this is beneficial for the DP… think again. This sort of agreement is a minor party supporting a vast majority. The NRM don’t need the support of the DP to pass legislation. However, the indirect support only malign the position of the DP who is becoming a branch of the NRM by doing so. This is why Museveni is happy. He gets even more “Good DP” on his side…

8. This agreement supports the advance of the Government’s priorities by allocating portfolios and establishing areas of cooperation that are consistent with the direction and goals of the NRM Government, as well as contributing to addressing the Democratic Party’s aspirations” (Cooperation Agreement between the Democratic Party and the National Resistance Movement, 20.07.2022).

This here is just tragic, but man Mao has sold the DP Party for cheap. The DP will support and advance the NRM Government priorities, but they are hoping the same NRM government will consider their aspirations. The aspirations will fall flat when the DP has to support and advance the majority of the NRM. That is a fallacy and I cannot believe the DP leaders accepted it. The wording makes it easy assess that the winner takes all and the DP might aspire to achieve something. Regardless… we continue…

12. Ministers from the Democratic Party will attend Cabinet Committees for items relevant to their portfolios and receive Cabinet Papers relevant to their portfolios, as provided for in the rules regulating Cabinet” (Cooperation Agreement between the Democratic Party and the National Resistance Movement, 20.07.2022).

This here was to be expected. That is given, but shows that the DP Minister and Mao himself will get an established role by the agreement. He will not be junior minister, but an entitled and honourable of that.

16. The Parties will work together in good faith and cooperate with each other in respect of Executive and Parliamentary activities to advance these shared goals, including any public statements. The President may from time to time issue letters of expectations to Ministers and other officials from the Democratic Party and these letters will reflect the areas of policy cooperation and consultation processes required” (Cooperation Agreement between the Democratic Party and the National Resistance Movement, 20.07.2022).

Here the NRM got the DP whipped into submission. The DP has to follow and work in coordination with NRM. The DP will only release statements in accordance with the NRM or the Executive. This means the DP cannot defy or even spread any sort of message to the public without notifying the NRM. That is muffling them and ensuring total loyalty, which again shows the DP to be a branch of the NRM party here.

20. The National Resistance Movement Government will also brief the Democratic Party on:

A. the broad outline of the legislative programme

B. broad Budget parameters and process” (Cooperation Agreement between the Democratic Party and the National Resistance Movement, 20.07.2022).

Here the DP get a nice catch after becoming a part of the NRM brach. They are at least getting briefed on the matters of budgets and process of the government. A government they are a part of. That shows they are an internal feature now. It says brief, so it doesn’t mean the DP get a say on the budgets, but get a first look and understanding at least.

24. The Leader of the Democratic Party and the National Resistance Movement will meet every three months or as required to monitor progress against the areas of cooperation set out in this agreement. The Secretaries General will meet regularly” (Cooperation Agreement between the Democratic Party and the National Resistance Movement, 20.07.2022).

This is a micro-IPOD. The State House visits will be more frequent and the Minister/DP President will be a welcomed guest in the presence of His Excellency. The stipulation is securing a steady relations between and also coordinating efforts. Which will be the verbal agreements ahead of any sort decision made.

26. The parties may establish a process in order to maintain different public positions on the areas of cooperation. The parties agree that matters of differentiation will be dealt with on a ‘no surprises’ basis” (Cooperation Agreement between the Democratic Party and the National Resistance Movement, 20.07.2022).

Just as the two leaders are talking on the regular, the DP already informed by vital aspects of government. The DP has to ensure they are not publishing or releasing any information without consent or agreed upon. This is further sealed off here and the DP has to await the “thumbs up” to speak their minds in public and within the lines of which are in “good faith”.

30. In accordance with the Cabinet Rules , Ministers from the Democratic Party must support and implement Cabinet decisions in their portfolio areas. However, Ministers from the Democratic Party will not be restricted from noting where that policy may deviate from the Democratic Party policy on an issue. If this is required, it may be noted in the Cabinet minute that on a key issue, the Democratic Party position differs from the Cabinet decision” (Cooperation Agreement between the Democratic Party and the National Resistance Movement, 20.07.2022).

Here the DP Minister becomes practically a soldier for the NRM. The party emblem and the DP is undermined totally. Not only by the other provisions, which is already mentioned. That is undercutting and taking away the liberties and freedoms of the DP. This here makes it possible not to aspire, but to be a tool of implementation only. Meaning whatever the DP aspires too. That will not go anywhere… when the DP minister just has to follow Cabinet decisions and earlier promise to “support” and “advance” government priorities.

33. Ministers from the Democratic Party will be bound by the principle of Cabinet confidentiality, as set out in the Cabinet Rules” (Cooperation Agreement between the Democratic Party and the National Resistance Movement, 20.07.2022).

This is a continuation of the “not speaking to the public until being told”. The DP has to await clearance and be vouched for before being public. It is surely designated to ensure secrecy and silence of the ones anointed into the government. Mao and DP really has to contain themselves, as they cannot renegade or act in any sort of defiance. They just have to follow “command and obey”.

40. The Parties agree to a ‘no surprises’ approach to new private Members’ Bills. However, neither party is under any obligation to support the other party’s private Members’ Bills” (Cooperation Agreement between the Democratic Party and the National Resistance Movement, 20.07.2022).

Again, ‘no surprises’ and its for the reasons stated before. Everything is supposed to be coordinated and ensure to follow the ‘correct line’. This is streamlining the working relationship. We know the DP already has to support and vote for government priorities. So, the issue of no obligations of supporting “private bills” are hopeless. When that is a sort of way to get the Executive what he needs and wants. The DP Party President knows this and certainly there will be times when this article is useless…

42. The Democratic Party undertakes to keep full voting numbers present whenever the House is sitting where the Democratic Party has committed to support the National Resistance Movement Government and on matters of confidence and supply. The Democratic Party also undertakes to keep full voting numbers in Committee, unless otherwise agreed” (Cooperation Agreement between the Democratic Party and the National Resistance Movement, 20.07.2022).

This here is just showing the DP has to be loyal, submissive and just do as they are told. That is the endgame of the ‘no surprises’ paradigm. It is really something else. The DP might aspire to things, but in the end they will be swallowed and eaten alive by the priorities of the NRM government. No way this is ending well. No, Mao got his role and the game is rigged for him. Museveni wouldn’t have signed this agreement, unless he knew who would get the upper-hand and he did so by a landslide.

A brief summery:

Mao will not ‘surprise’ anyone and the DP will still aspire to things. The NRM has gotten a new branch and a new unit working under it’s “umbrella”. The Democratic Party sold itself very cheap and there is little in the agreement that gives Mao or the DP any sort of possibilities to gain much power. They are within the reach of the Executive and get to hold talks. However, the DP has to listen and “obey”. The DP isn’t allowed to operate without consent. That is really the gist here and they have to serve the NRM. While the NRM don’t have to do or act in any sort of way. They are furthering their “priorities” anyway and the DP MPs has to vote in accordance. Peace.

Opinion: Should we fear Mao as a Minister?

My father taught me many things here – he taught me in this room. He taught me: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer” – Michael Corleone (Godfather II, 19744).

The day after Democratic Party President Norbert Mao signed a cooperation agreement with the National Resistance Movement (NRM). It has been announced that his been appointed to the become the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. This means that Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu is demoted because of this trade-off.

I’m not worried about Kamuntu… he will find a plumb-job and that’s because the President favours his sort of kind. The blind loyalty to the throne and accepting the duties, which the President sees him fit. Now the bigger question is what Mao plans to or intends to do as a Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

Mao can push forward with constitutional changes, which could easily be amendments to the rights of land. The newly minted minister could force changes that the President wants with Mailo-land and appease the abilities to expropriation of land or speed up “development projects” or “investor-friendly” enterprises.

The other important aspect like in the previous Parliament is the government system and laws surrounding the current President. In the 10th Parliament the MPs abolished the Age limit in the Constitution. Ensuring the longevity of the presidency and legalize the continuation of Museveni on the throne.

Mao could push for the constitutional amendments that makes the Parliament able to elect the President. Where the MPs will elect the President instead of by the universal suffrage. This would change the electoral laws and the parliamentary system. Which would be similar to United Kingdom where the MPs are electing the Prime Minister, the head of state there. However, we are not sure about this.

We don’t know if Mao will accept the changes of the Constitution so that the MPs and the majority of the Parliament can elect or appoint the Inspector General of Police (IGP). That’s also been tabled private bill and we can wonder if this is even feasible.

Certainly, there are rumours that Mao will work to deregister and ensure the demise of the National Unity Platform (NUP). That is not yet clear, but the rumours are worrying and we know that the gig of targeting the NUP has paid-off for the Chairman already. Therefore, thing are bound to happen and it is just a matter of time.

We know the likes of Mao wants to prove himself. His an unelected minion of Museveni now. Mao will do like Beti Kamya did in the Ministry of Kampala. That’s what we should expect, because he wants to show he was worth it and is a guy of the President.

He will turn into one the most loyal subjects of the President. The sort of crony and associate we have never seen. This man will go head over heals to defend the government and it’s ills. He won’t mind to attack and use the law for personal gains. His selling the party he represents and his own career over a high ranking office. When you are willing to do that for personal gains. You know the man will easily do whatever he can to serve his new master. Peace.

Opinion: Mao is officially Museveni’s minion

The agreement between the Democratic Party (DP) and National Resistance Movement (NRM) yesterday has in some regards made DP Party President Norbert Mao the underling of the Head of State and the Chairman of NRM Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni. Mao might not like that, because he might find the solution and the compromise reasonable. However, his quest and his journey is now ending in a culprit of the state.

Mao cannot say his not bound by it. The DP will be a significant partner of the ruling regime. Just like the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) has been since they signed a secret agreement in 2016. Both parties are no silent partners and trading off their integrity and possible options to get some favourable terms or perks from the NRM. That’s really it.

We know that Mao will act like he has won a price or become a bigshot. That’s only in his mind. He maybe gets a renewed title and a office. Heck, the party gets to continue to have Mbidde in the EALA. However, the party isn’t getting anymore action or traction for that matter. No, its just another hallow shell of its former self.

Chairman Mao can act supreme and use big words on NBS Frontline, but his game is rigged. There is no way he can reassure or ensure longevity now. The DP has already looked lack-lustre and the ones that fled did so wisely. The did leave the DP before it got totally compromised. The DP will now be a division of the NRM. They have signed off and ensured that with the agreement.

Mao will ensure that he is favoured and get pleasant gifts from the State House. The man who is now a softspoken ally of the President. There is no way he will defy or even stand up to him. No, he will kiss the ring and be the loyal servant that Yoweri always wished to have. He got that from Jimmy and now Norbert follows.

The man who has been the DP President for ages, who hasn’t been able to show political finesse for a while. A man who has burned all the bridges politically in the opposition. He had only one way left and that was to beg for mercy. Which he apparently did, but by doing so… his just another crony and another figurine in the cabinet of sold-out politicians to Museveni.

Museveni got a bargain. It is not a coalition agreement, but a cooperation agreement. Which means that the DP is compromised, but not finalized. His pushing the blood out and letting it blead out in public. There is no way the DP can survive the onslaught in a long run. The party would lose its edge if it had any left…

Norbert Mao has now ensured this, and he will be remembered for it. He will not be favoured or be remembered kindly for doing so. The government he traded the party with is doing what it can to silence and go after its critics. That’s why you know this deal is shady and will be sign of oblivion for his party.

The DP will not get any stronger or competitive. It will instead be more stagnate and lack charisma on the way forward. Because it cannot be a viable party when they are involved in the day-to-day politics of the NRM. That’s because the deal is signing of vital parts of the game, and they have to be loyal to the same cause.

Mao isn’t brave… and he has become Museveni’s fool now. Oh gee, the mighty have fallen… Peace.

Opinion: DP follows UPC’s journey into the hands of Museveni

Today was the day that the Democratic Party (DP) sealed its fate. It is following Uganda People’s Congress who signed a similar agreement in 2016. Both of the oldest parties of the Republic now has signed agreements with the President and his party the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The DP and UPC will now be gallant side-dishes of the political spectrum. They are neither in government or coalition partners, but they are in cooperation with the ruling regime.

President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni has gotten these two parties for cheap. He don’t even need to dance or play the violin. Just throwing some EALA MPs slots and possibly seats in Parliament for the high ranking officials. Heck, he might appoint someone from the parties to an honourable parastatal and call it a night.

Museveni now has two silent partners in Jimmy Akena and Norbert Mao. They have both diluted their parties for a treat or a favourable office of sorts. Who knows how beneficial it really is. The UPC isn’t trying to run for the Presidency any longer. The DP might follow suit, because why bother right? They are already entangled and they get coins for doing so. This is easy money and the parties don’t even have to work for it. They are just served by the President and his getting no challenge from them.

The DP is now trading off. The DP can now just rebrand itself or becoming silent on issues. The UPC isn’t that vocal. They rarely have pressers or releases statements. The UPC doesn’t challenge in the plenty of races and back-downs easily for the NRM. Now we can expect the same from the DP.

Museveni should be happy he gotten cheap trade-offs and it doesn’t really cost him anything. These parties will lack trust within the electorate and neither strengthen their leadership either. Mao will soon look like and sound like Akena. Because, he cannot be vocal or challenge someone he has partnered up with.

That’s why we know Museveni was happy to announce the agreement today. He knew he got the best deal and the DP is the losers. The DP is the “Good DP” now, because the NUP took all the “Bad DP” away from him. The party has shifted this and it’s obvious. Mao has given up and rather be another stooge.

Both parties are now eating of the hands of Museveni. This is why they will be toothless and be silent partners. It is really tragic… and the founders of these parties would have vomited or turned in their graves. Because they would never have believed that their predecessors could sell their parties this cheaply. There is nothing long-term to gain and neither is there anyone who will trust them now.

The NRM-UPC deal has tarnished the party since 2016. No matter what the UPC leadership and others says. They cannot say they have become a vocal voice of reason or a party to seek. If so, why are there no face or MP, which the people are listening to from the party? Secondly, the DP will become the same sort of tragic party in Parliament. Not that it’s showed finesse or ability to sell it’s vision of late. Nevertheless, the NRM-DP will be a slow death of the party.

If you thought the DP Block or the SPV was a failure of an enterprise… well, the recent development will be like a massive downturn or a self-made recession. The DP will go into a depression… while the leadership will have their SUVs and bank-accounts filled to the brim. However, their wealth will not salvage their parties. No, they are being traded on the altar of being in the mercy of Museveni. That is just asking for a brief or prolonged death. Museveni will not see any value of them for long. Sooner or later, when the steam and the additional costs are seen as unsustainable.

The only other way they believe they have the same sort of maverick moves like Gen. Moses Ali who always linger around the President. In the same way his never leaving his sights. Mao and Akena better hope that they are treated like the old general. Because, if they are not… than they have traded their gold and heirloom for shiny things that only glimmer, but has no initial value. Peace.

National Resistance Movement (NRM): The 4th Central Executive Commitee of the National Resistance Movement at its 10th Meeting (08.07.2022)