Opinion: Muhwezi just needed a hot minute to create a scandal

UPDATE; Minister of Security Jim Muhwezi says, all vehicles and motorcycles will be fitted with a digital monitoring system to curb crime” (91.2 Crooze FM, 22.07.2021).

Government has signed a 10 year deal with Joint Stock Company Global Security, a Russian firm that will see the latter install tracking devices in all public and private vehicles and motorcycles in the country” (Nile Post, 23.07.2021).

The returning Member of Parliament and Minister Jim Muhwezi have just entered the offices and started his new term. As the 11th Parliament swearing-in days are over and the term has started. Just as he does his first deals and programmes as a Minister. He has already entangled himself in a scandal of epic proportions.

The Minister who has a history of wasting public funds in various of schemes. Has started where he has left of in the past. He has bought junk helicopters, robbed resources from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the well-known GAVI Funds as well. All of this while he was in office in the past.

I wrote a piece on his in 2020 named “If you want Jim Muhwezi back as an MP [then don’t cry if his involved in a grand corruption scandal]” published on the 17th August 2020, which was on this subject.

Therefore, the additional information today that he has signed a ten year deal with a defunct Russian company. That says it all and it was a new supposed wind-fall. Where he also had the blessing of the President. The Minister even stated that on one of his tweets while signing the deal. That says it all and he has the blessing of the State House to do this.

He has gotten away with theatrics before and he will most likely get away with it now too. Because, he is in good favours with the President. The in-law and minister surely will walk this one off and continue like nothing happens. The IGG, PPDA, FIA and nobody was in this to vet it the agreement either. That’s why you knows this institutions are idle, as things as foolish like this shouldn’t exist in the first place.

Who is as bold and brazen to write and sign a ten year deal with a one-year old defunct or bankrupted company from Russia? As a minister … do you have no scruples or morals? I am asking Jim and shouldn’t have asked in the first place. He let people rot in prison to die as the Director General of the Intelligence Services in 1980s. So it is not like he has a heart, but has an appetite for money and power.

Muhwezi was a scandal in the making. However, would have never thought it would have happened this fast. This was Formula One speed and Lewis Hamilton couldn’t even sprinted past Muhwezi on the racing track. That how fast and furious the minister was to seal this deal and ensure a quick pay-off in office.

Because, who would get the money and what sort of arrangements really matters with a company that ceased operations one year ago? That seems like a windfall and the biggest pay-off of the year. That’s how Muhwezi operates, I suppose. He doesn’t fear no man or any accountability. Well, he has done this before and gotten away with it. Why should it have any consequences now?

Peace.

Opinion: MPs 200 million pay-off [and who cares about the pandemic?]

This week it has been revealed that the 529 Members of Parliament is receiving Shs. 200 million shillings as a one time “envelope” to purchase a new vehicle. Because, it is such an important prospect and bargain to pay the elected officials with cars. They have already hefty salaries, allowances and perks in office. This is just one of these one-time offers that they can eat quickly off.

Every single MP gets 200 million shillings in July 2021, months after the elections in January 2021. That’s become a custom in the Republic. After an election and swearing-in, the new MPs and the old ones gets a huge pay-off in the millions of shillings to purchase a vehicle. This isn’t new, but its still insane.

Especially, considering the state have taken up huge loans to cover deficits and loans to cover the recovery from after the pandemic. The state isn’t using these vast funds buying vaccines, PPE or investing in the Ministry of Health. No, they are using more money on a car-fleet. A fleet given and paid for by the state.

This is 105.8 billion shillings spent on cars or vehicles by the state. That is how to misuse government and wasted spending. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the President does this to buy loyalty. Because, for some strange reason… no MP is complaining or returning these funds.

It is not like the MPs are having an outcry or asking to refund the pay-out. The MPs should ask why they are getting this and why now?

We know the MPs are scheduled to get funds for the vehicles, which it does … in the beginning of the term. The 11th Parliament isn’t doing anything new… and nobody is shocked by this. The MPs are just following tradition at this point.

However, now as the state cannot afford to buy vaccines or has the ability to invest in the Ministry of Health. Nevertheless, the MPs are the priority and their wealth needs to be taken care off. That’s why this is happening. Just to ensure the MPs will be loyal to the President and his causes. They have already accepted the 200 millions shilling envelope.

If the MPs had a trouble with this. They would do like with the Age-Limit Consultation Money. The MPs would cry havoc and made a fuzz. That’s something that’s not happening at this point. This is just ordinary programming and no-one want stop it, apparently.

The MPs are just to accept this and clap along. They are dancing to the tune and hoping to have a party. Because, the feast is already covered by the state and they have huge payouts in the making. This is just the beginning. Peace.

Opinion: The choice between Odrek or Muhoozi [is a monarchy ticket either way]

This week Odrek Rwabwogo have been appointed by the President to a Senior Presidential Advisor of Special Duties. Odrek is the son-in-law, as he married President’s daughter, Patience Museveni. So, he is as connected as can be by marriage.

While the first son Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga, the Commander of Land Forces, the third rank in command of the Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF). While his also a Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations.

I have now seen online that for some strange reasons… there is discussion who of these is taking over after the Self-Styled President for Life. They are discussing if one of the family members are taking over after the ruler for life and his tyranny. That people are willing to be controlled and only have one family to rule the nation.

However, to public knowledge… the Republic of Uganda isn’t a kingdom or a monarchy. Even if Museveni wants to be the King of Kings. He wants to be the absolute ruler by definition of law and constitution that’s not happening. Part of his rule is by decree or directives. Still, his not a King and a Monarch.

For all sense and purposes, until this is legally changed or by a referendum. Museveni is still a Head of State and a Commander-in-Chief. He is His Excellency (H.E) and the Fountain of Honour. He is the President and been so since January 26th 1986. Doesn’t give him the rights or ability to decide who is his successor.

Yes, a President can point at somebody and say: “I want him or her to be my successor”. However, that is not legal binding argument and it is not statute that make the a legit transfer of power. So, the ones who is preparing for Muhoozi or Odrek. Isn’t doing that on their merits or their capacity to be Presidents. Since, it is not a family affair. They have ot be standing for respective parties and be challenged at elections. That’s how these sort of things goes.

The general public who is tired of the old man. Why do they want to have his son-in-law or his first son? Who thinks that is a viable option? Unless, your paid promoter and part of the “Project Muhoozi”. It is not his a articulate or a genuine leader. Neither is proven… he has been promoted and gotten a bigger role because of who he happens to be. Not because merit or what he has achieved in the field.

This is a family matter or a dynasty ticket. There should be nothing automatic about either of these gentlemen. They are not even part of the central leadership of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Neither have they a history or been leaders in the political sphere even. These haven’t been tested in elections for other roles either. So, it is not like they have a huge following or a rising to power this way.

Unless, they want to rise to power like the old man and use arms to get there. That would follow family history and use private armies in combination of a popular uprising to a coup d’etat. Nevertheless, I don’t think they will do that to topple their head of the family. Who just happens to be the President at this current time.

This is the choice for the ones who still wants one family to rule the Republic. It is for the ones that is accepting the personification of the state and only his family can govern. That isn’t written anywhere or have become law. Even if it is in the mind of the President or his close associates. Who will do what they can to salvage the loot, the companies and all other projects it has entangled with the state. They are afraid of losing this in combination of answering to the sins of their father and his years in power. That’s why they need a second generation President to ensure nobody gets to account for it and also shield the father as well. It is that simple…

They want to secure the tyrant legacy and his spoils. To ensure that he be remembered better than he should. So, that the family can keep it all and not have to pay a price for how it got it all. That’s the worry and that’s why there is people even fielding these gentlemen.

Why would the people be duped for a second generation Museveni? Why do you want more of the same and have a crippling state, which haven’t gotten better. Museveni have had 35 years and still has plenty of the same issues as when he entered into office. He could have changed things, but he hasn’t because that haven’t been the priority.

So, the dynasty ticket will only deliver more of this and undoubtedly not make things better. Unless, your naive or believe that a fellow family member will suddenly radically change things. That person will most likely prolong the agony and secure the fortunes of the same elites as before. Don’t shocked if that would happen.

The ones that support either of these two. Doesn’t value a democratic choice or a proper succession even. They just want one junta to control and not lose the grip. Peace.

Opinion: Deployment of medics at road-blocks is ridiculous

For the Joint Security Agencies, we are on track to continue enforcement of the lockdown, to help slow down the pace of the pandemic. This is because acts of impatience and complacence are still prevalent within the public. The bodabodas are steadily carrying passengers especially women, we are witnessing an increase in fake patients, excuses of going for vaccination and burials, use of fake stickers, opening of bars, etc. As a result we are also devising new tactics of additionally deploying medical teams at check points to counter fake patients, Inspectorate officers to supervise the removal of number plates from non-essential vehicles parked on streets, snap checkpoints etc. Such reckless behaviours by the COVID offenders will simply increase or delay the presence of the deadly variants in the country” (Uganda Police Force – ‘RETURNS ON ENFORCEMENT OF THE LOCKDOWN AND CURFEW’ 12.07.2021).

This is the second lockdown and on the 24th day of the 42 days of lockdown. The authorities and the Joint Security Agencies have now a new directive, as the Uganda Police Force was releasing this one.

What is striking is that the checkpoints and road-blocks will have a medical team. A team is based of a certain type of personnel. This could possibly mean doctors, nurses and other medical trained personnel. Instead of these actually being in service and working inside a hospital or health centre.

They will be stuck with police officers and other security agents. Who are on the road-block or the checkpoints wasting time. They are in the field singing psalms of nothingness and wondering why they are alive. Because, they are supposed to be in the hospital and heal people. They are supposed to help the sick to medicated and proper treatment. Not assess everyone passing by a checkpoint or a roadblock. To deem them fit….

This is a mockery. Especially, when the Hospitals, Health Centres and the Ministry of Health is understaffed. There has been a lack of jobs and filling the positions as is. It is not like there is growing doctors or nurses on trees. They are not appearing out of nowhere and suddenly entering our lives. No, it takes years of education and experience to be a good professional health care worker. That is a measurable skill and their knowledge is valuable. Especially in a pandemic. When the distress and the added cases is surging. So, that the hospitals are running low on staff and equipment.

At that time… the Joint Security Agencies are thinking it’s a good idea to deploy medical personnel on the roads. Misusing their time and their skills. When the hospitals need every hand and wise professional to do the right thing.

That just show how mismanaged and how foolish this government this. Instead of doing what is best and actually provide for the Hospitals and Health Centres. They are instead shooting them in the foot and asking them to dance. That will be painful and everyone will give the dancer pity. While wondering when the hurt person will go to the hospital themselves.

The authorities, the security organizations and the state itself shouldn’t allow this. They are depleting and deploying important people away from where their needed the most. The medical personnel needs to be where the sick and the equipment is supposed to be accessible.

These folks stationed at checkpoints will only take away their help and ensure more people’s demise. As they will waste their time. Not doing their job, but being additional people whose only there to validate what the police wants to hear. This will not end good, but only make things worse.

The ones who thought of this is stupid. Why are taking away professionals from their working place? When they are needed there the most. That’s not smart, but very very stupid. Peace.

Opinion: The General believes the army can solve everything

It is now a new directive of the 1st July 2021 that the Army Brigade will start to construct buildings for the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health. Who cares about the random engineers or the National Planning Authority (NPA). No, the President, His Excellency and the General of all ages have directed the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) to be involved in building buildings too.

This is not new… the UPDF have looked over fishers in Lake Victoria. The army have been involved in delivering out mosquito-nets and they are participating in the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). There is nowhere where the army is not implicated or not an active role. Just like they have 5 MPs in the 11th Parliament too.

The army just needs to be involved in civilian matters. Soon these folks will have marriage counselling and such. Since the Court Martial, the Military Courts are already a useful pawn to address and silence political operatives of the opposition. Therefore, the UPDF and the army can be used for everything.

For the heavens sake, the same army was in-charge of beauty pageants as well. Where they we’re deciding and nominating who became “Miss Uganda”. There is nothing this army will not.

The General can order these soldiers and his army to do whatever it takes. They can not only, but use their boots. These armed personnel are used to fix anything, because these are the only one he trusts. Even if he has hundreds of government entities to trust and work with. He will always turn to the UPDF. Where he has the loyal subjects willing to do whatever work they are ordered to do. Even if it means looking at skirts, shirts or now load trucks full of bricks.

The President really shows his intent and that he only have one safe haven. These fellows can be directed and ordered around without any issues. They will just show-up and follow up orders. It wouldn’t be shocking, if the UPDF will dab into the future vaccination programme or soon start to build roads in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) together with Dott Services. Nothing would shock me anymore, but just be a proof of how useful the UPDF is at this point.

The General needs his army and this is visible everywhere. Soon, if you go to the dentist. A soldier is there. If you go to the doctor. A soldier is there and if God forbid. You go to Church(!). A soldier will be there too. Peace.

Opinion: Mr. President needs more supplementary funds than the average referral hospital

Today, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) in the first week of the budget year dropped the first supplementary budget of the budget year. What is striking in this one and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is loaning billions upon billions of shillings for a possible financial recovery after the pandemic.

However, the President is now getting more funds in the Supplementary Budget than the 15 referral hospitals. Yes, the Ministry of Health getting a huge slice of the pie this time. Nevertheless, the fine print shows that the President needs 6,964,000,000 to fight COVID-19. He needs 6.9 billion shillings on his own to combat this.

The 15 referral hospitals, which has been deemed fit for additional funding on the other hand gets the handsome sum of 575,500,000 or 575 million shillings. In total 8,625,000,000 or 8,6 billion shillings. That’s the total direct budget supplement from the state to 15 hospitals in the middle of a pandemic and the second wave.

The funds given to the hospital barely have over 1,5 billions shillings more than the President. However, each hospital gets less funding and they are on the frontline. It is not like the President is giving people vaccine in Kawempe or in Makindye. Heck, he will not even do it in Ankole. The President is rather safe behind bulletproof glass in his vehicle, than ever giving a helping hand. Unless, there are some elders willing to bend their knees for him and kiss the ring for his majesty.

This is a supplementary budget to fight COVID-19 not to further salaries for additional Presidential Advisors or whatnot. Neither it is to cover expenses from the general election or what else you can imagine.

It is just baffling that the state prioritize this way. Just like the External Security Organization gets additional 1.1 billion shillings and Internal Security Organization gets 4.7 billion shillings. You can wonder how these organizations combat this deadly disease. In combination that the Ministry of Defence is getting the 10.4 billion shillings and the Uganda Police Force for some reason has the grand total of 19 billion shillings. This is all security, tear-gas and to enforce the Standard Operational Procedures SOPs or the Presidential Directives plus keeping the officers and soldiers happy during the lockdowns. Because, what does these entities has to offer in the combat of COVID-19?

That is beyond the point, right? Just like the Office of the President has little to nothing to do in the ambition to stop the spread. This just shows how mismanaged the whole thing is and lack of priority. When such vast sums of money can be spent on these parts of government. This is not to procure or get vaccines. This is not to buy PPE or produce more oxygen. This is not train more nurses or doctors. No, this is to boost the fragile ego of one man and secure his reign. Why else would he spend billions on the State House and Security, as a measure to fight COVID?

He is not kidding anyone, only himself and his fellow cadres who eats this nonsense for breakfast. This a mockery and public wastage at it finest. Peace.

Opinion: When they don’t want to pin the assassins on the cross they point at the ADF

This a very common case and especially with the authorities in the Republic. After a high ranking or a public murders/assassinations. The Uganda Police Force (UPF) is showing up people charged and implicated in the cases. However, they are never sentenced or closing the cases. The murders or assassinations gets cold and the killers are on the loose.

That’s because the boda-boda assassinations are in on it and ordered to do it. They are well-trained and equipped to handle their mission. These have tracked and followed their victims. Therefore, they know their routes and routines. That’s why it’s easy to find a spot and time to make them stop.

This is how everything seems. The ones who becomes vocal or a worry of the state. Is just suddenly meeting their maker. The people who are doing it often or most likely are former Allied Defence Force (ADF) affiliates or combatants. That is what the UPF is saying after the fact and in the beginning of the spin.

It just happens to be a combatant with a funny nick-name and who has trespassed the Republic. Who happened to be engaged in local politics and had the knowledge of the high ranking officials. That was a big target and would a positive measure to create a public outcry. However, ADF is busy causing massacres and keeping their territory intact in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are known for their vicious attacks and also massacres in Beni. Therefore, it takes a special character to always have enough combatants to kill unique targets inside Uganda.

That’s why you know the UPF is full of horse-shit. They are pulling a trick and thinking they can lie like this. Because, if they did investigate the assassins and find them. Than they could quickly find out who hired them and who ordered the murders. That would implicate some other people, which doesn’t want to be named or even be close to the blood. The bloodshed and the murders are supposed to happen in such a manner. That the general public are frightened and in fury. The ones fallen have a following and people know them. That’s why there is a need for answer, but the acts will quickly forgotten.

That’s what the state is playing along with. There is new cases and new assassinations. That happens before the old ones are solved. There been murders of woman in Entebbe. Muslim Clerics, high ranking officials and other extra judicial killings, which has never been answered. They are just fallen civilians without justice. Their lives haven’t been answered for and their demise is just in the unknown.

Still, time and time again the UPF is implicating some ADF combatants for these assassinations. It just happens that they are never captured or officially sentenced. That’s why it seems like a lot of smoke and very little action. The Police just telling stories, but not proving the cases… or showing any legit evidence.

That’s why we are not whiffed and neither should Gen. Wamala Katumba. He knows this perfectly well and his in the middle of this regime. The man who was so close to get killed, but lost his daughter and personal driver. Still, he knows this is nonsense. Because, these stories have been recycled so many times and its not funny anymore.

It is time for police to do actually policing. However, in these cases we know they are not willing to do so. Because, if they started on the leads and looked at the evidence. They could easily get to places they are not supposed too. That would tarnish their roles and possibility to even be appointed and be in the good graces of the system. This is why nothing ever really happens with this cases and it’s a continuation of these tragic affairs.

Murders and Assassinations gone cold and forgotten. Cases never solved and justice never served. That is the reality of this all. However, the same police has all resources in the world to collect, charge and detain political opponents of the state. Heck, they can pre-emptive arrest them at will. That shows their mismanaged priorities. While always claiming former ADF combatants are involved. Peace.

Opinion: The Prime Minister shows the “dope on the table” in a den of thieves

Lt. Cedric Daniels: [leaving Burrell’s office] “Dope on the damn table” (The Wire, Season 1 – Episode 11, 2003).

Last year, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the President was asking for donations to fight COVID-19. This is year is no difference. Yesterday, there was a press conference with the Prime Minster Robinah Nabbanja after business tycoon Hamis Kiggundu gave 530m shillings. Which was shown to do the world as cash on the table. Like the Uganda Police Force (UPF) had done a raid and shown the evidence of the crime committed by someone.

This is the” dope on the damn table”. It is a show of money and a promise. This isn’t the first time… and not the last. It is a show for the general public during the lockdown. Last year the state wanted new cars from companies to fight COVID-19. That was the main objective of the President and not making better hospitals.

Now, the state again is asking businesses and companies to donate to the government. A government who has raised more loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Twice they have borrowed to fight and recover from pandemic. Still, those funds are not utilized and isn’t helping to procure either vaccines, PPE or upgrading the hospitals. Neither adding hazard pay for nurses, doctors and whatnot who is on the frontline during the pandemic either.

The NRM is insane and think they can sell this like a raid of a mafia. Like they found a mob and where they hidden the stash. They have found the bricks of drugs and showing their evidence of the criminal conspiracy. The state is proud that Kiggundu has donated funds, at the same time taking up more loans to supposedly fight this.

So, why borrow billions of shillings from the IMF and still ask for donations from struggling businesses? They are closed off again and not allowed to operate in the 42 days lockdown. Not like the money is growing on trees. Neither is there a fountain of youth helping people to natural immunity. Therefore, the state should use the IMF money and not beg from companies to bail them out.

The state have already been bailed out and taking out more loans without proper revenue to cover it up later. This means someone else have to find the revenue and the tax base to cover this deficit later. While the state is begging and showing finesse by having “dope on the table”. I’m sure the President was proud of that moment. Because, it looks like he was doing something…

Though the show off on national TV isn’t creating more ICU beds. Neither is it making more nurses ready for a new outbreak. It isn’t helping the families who cannot afford the costs of having their family members in the hospitals. It isn’t helping the ones struggling to get to the hospital and cannot get medicines or oxygen.

This “dope on the table” scene from the Wire and the Commissioners orders to have that. Is what we are seeing now in real life. A proof of work and of good deeds. The Prime Minister had her moment of shine and promise. Now, we are supposed to trust the government and donate. To a government who already borrowed to it’s knees and has nothing to show for it.

The IMF should question itself and wonder why it accepts these lies or tricks. Unless, they want to have leverage for a new Structural Adjustment Plan for the next generation. Not like the privatization has made things better, but then again. It is so the ones funding IMF can get their international companies to trade on the market and dissolve the local ones. They won’t state that, but that is the initial action in the end.

So, the quagmire is here. The dope is on the table and the deceit is happening directly in-front of you. Peace.

Opinion: Ministry of Health – Deliver the goods and not just talk…

The Ministry of Health and Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine have promised greatness and huge results during the pandemic. This being the usage of donations in 2020 and International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans to cover the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Health should instead of talking…. ACT. The state, the National Resistance Movement and everyone who ensures the hospitals and health centres are working. The Government of Uganda (GoU) needs get checked and questioned. Especially, when the hospitals lacks the basics. Neither prepared for a second wave of the pandemic.

It isn’t like the GoU and MoH should have made things possible. They should have covered the allowances and hazard pay for the health care workers. The same should be with educating nurses for the ICU and procure more ICU beds. Secondly, get ventilators, bigger production of oxygen and buy vaccines by the truck-loads. Instead of waiting for gifts and donations from the International Community. While the state is borrowing huge loans to cover for this.

That’s why the Ministry of Health, the government and all the bureaucrats needs to get help from the “high above”. They need to get the hold of the funds and capacity to actually do what is needed. Instead of seeing people dying because they are not getting in time to the hospital. Some even get to the hospital, but the lack of oxygen kills the loved ones. Instead of giving them a little more time to heal and catch the needed breath.

The MoH and GoU needs to man-up and take responsibility. They have failed their citizens. The Hospitals and the health care system was crashing before the pandemic. The pandemic is only exposing it and showing the dire distress. It is the innocent and the tax-payers who is not getting what they are deserving. These deserve to get treatment and healing from the virus. They shouldn’t die in the hospital, because the state didn’t prepare or spend needed funds to make it operational. They instead spend it on SUVs and Elections….

That’s how it seems. Dr. Atwine and the likes needs to fix the problems and not whine over this in a press release. They should instead of jumping behind the barricades and go into self-defence. The Permanent Secretary should go over to the State House and beg for more money. Should ask for funds from the Confidential Funds or whatnot. So, that she can procure, ensure training and equipment that can save lives.

That they should do, if that matters and if they want to stop the medical tourism, which is always a saving grace for VIPs and the elites. Therefore, the MoH and GoU better get a grip. They have borrowed twice from the IMF to save themselves during the COVID-19. Instead of spending directly on the necessary on Health Care. It goes to everywhere else and for whatever causes the state see fit.

That’s why the MoH sucks and the GoU is corrupted. They are not willing to invest or using loans to save lives. That is the proof and the Permanent Secretary have to responsibility together with all of the Ministers running the Ministry. They are all chefs and this is the dish they are serving. It is not tasty or a fine dining meal. It is fast-food and sometimes the plate isn’t even delivered. However, the Ministry is still billing the citizen who arrives at the hospital. That is the sad reality and this got to change. Peace.