Opinion: OO would have said that Jesus didn’t die, because he rose from the grave on the third day

Today, Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo have written yet another piece. This time published in New Vision. The article or think piece is called: “OPINION: Alleged kidnaps, torture and disappearances must be stamped out”. It was published on the 15th February 2021. What he says is despicable and show no regard to all the citizens taken with no accountability or justice.

The likes of OO is the ones who will defend death, murder and extra judicial killings by attacking the ones who are getting this treatment. OO rather shield his emperor and the regime itself. Than understanding the pleas, the tears and the suffering of others. It is more important to look Noble, grand and supreme. He rather want the world to be praising his master and his vanity. Because that is what matters to him. This is why he writes pieces like these.

I will take pieces of it and then discuss it. Just like I have done before. Because, someone has to debunk and dissecting his text, yet again.

He starts with: “Reports of alleged kidnaps, torture, illegal detentions and disappearances are mostly false alarms, but they are nevertheless embarrassment to the well-established track record of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government and must be stamped out immediately. Every person arrested by security agencies must be accounted for in accordance with established procedures and laws of Uganda, offenders punished. Even cases of false alarm and mischief by people who go underground only to surface later must be dealt with” (OO, 15.02.2021).

OO writes like the world and the people doesn’t get the memo. He wants the stories to cease and silent the public. Just because it destroys a “perfect” track-record of the NRM. Which isn’t grand in the first place. If he government is so genuine and cares about “rule of law”. Why does the NRM keep up having ungazetted “safe-houses”? Why does the state have to pay damages and repair hurt for victims illegally arrested, tortured in the courts?

Not like that is a new feature of the state. It is the mere scale and the ability of the National Unity Platform to spread message about the activity. As the state violence, injustice and impunity gets recorded and spread on the new social media platforms. It is not like the Uganda Police Force or any other security agencies haven’t done this in the past. They have and that is why Nalufenya and other places have a reputation, which resembles the days of Argentina House. That says a lot, but OO would never state that. He wants people to believe the NRM believes and works for “rule of law”. When they have since the inception been brutal to its dissidents and done what they could to control the population by force.

He continues: “It is also necessary to state that virulent groups and gullible media are being used to portray the Government as run by rogues who have lost moral, democratic and legal campus to deserve any legitimacy. To them, admitting President Yoweri Museveni’s strength undercuts their false foul cries to persuade foreign governments to sanction Uganda on unverified human rights violations. In a choreographed scheme, they have chosen words carefully to land powerful punches on NRM and President’s core credentials, respect to human life, dignity, democracy, and the rule of law.” (OO, 15.02.2021).

If the government and the state was so legitimately and adherent to “rule of law”. There wouldn’t be the need to charge civilians in Military Courts. There wouldn’t be the need for “drones” and for arbitrary arrests, kidnaps and torture of civilians. However, that is what the state does.

He also wants the President Museveni to be praised and getting his glory. Just as its the victims fault and their use of minds to explain the ill fortune. That they can spread the message about the human rights violation. The government spokesperson doesn’t want to take that into consideration the efforts of state and their ills. He just want the “good” but not take account for the “bad”.

The spokesperson calls it a coordinated effort and such. However, he speaks of respecting human life and democracy, but doesn’t want anyone to speak out of the violations of both. People are just supposed to be loyal crony like himself. The core credentials is a lie, because his achievements have been by the gun and not by the mercy of the people. Therefore, he cannot play this one out and believe his own words.

OO continues: “They continue to make the most horrendous allegations of what they christened ‘kidnaps’ rather than arrests. They have coined ‘forced disappearances of persons’ and not detention of violent criminal suspects accused of plotting heinous crimes of subversion, treason and spreading political terror to undermine civil governance” (OO, 15.02.2021).

This man rather make a mockery and attempt to justify arrests without any proper procedure. No warrants, no charges and no sentencing. That is cool, because the opposition cries ‘foul’ which is wrong. Since in his eyes they should just be silent and nod their heads to regime. These folks are not supposed to speak or even dare speak out of the ills of society. No, they are supposed to go silent to their graves and serve like he does.

Again, a government official is calling civilians criminal for political affiliation. Calling them terrorists for taking a stance and being part of political association. That shows how little the state care for “rule of law”. It is horrific to call out the ills, but they are at the same moment called “terrorist”. That is how this government is bargaining with its dissidents. This shows what sort of atrocities that is at stake.

He continues: In all these insidious schemes, NUP and their surrogates were bold enough to lay their plots in public view through intimidation, harassment, and physical assault of innocent citizens. Their initial plan was to intimidate voters not to turn out in large numbers on polling day so that NUP hooligans do whatever they wanted with balloting, counting, tallying and eventual results declaration, which the security forces effectively foiled. The current anger and frustration for being nipped in the bud has driven them to extreme desperation to the point they are willing to use vagabonds and criminals in adventurous ways to disrupt public order in the false belief they can win unchallenged. People with criminal intent must be told in clear terms that they will be tackled aggressively. NUP continues to hold a hostile posture in the public spaces, gullible mainstream media and social media cesspool to spread false and fake news” (OO, 15.02.2021).

Here we see again. The spokesperson is saying people are deliberately getting themselves into trouble and is doing it with criminal intent. It isn’t wrong of the state to do this dubious and violate their freedom, liberty and justice. The injustice and use of force to take away their freedom. It is the NUP’s fault and the victims are to blame. That is so typical… as the state is not to blame for its activity and its usage of weapons towards the unarmed.

Then he toys around with the sentiment and time, as people are just supposed to accept this vicious ways. The President and Security Organizations wicked ways and use of state apparatus to silence the opposition. While he calls them criminal and with that justifies the injustice. He calls the public gullible and mocks them for believing in the leaders. That is directly showing his disdain for the general public. That’s because the NRM doesn’t need them, but they need the armed force to continue to rule.

He ends with these words: “By donning the so-called bullet-proof vest whose efficacy was not proven, Kyagulanyi skillfully accomplished dark drama, like Dr Kizza Besigye and his infamous handcuffs. Having failed in an election they had billed as the waterloo for President Museveni, NUP and its insidious foreign backers including some diplomatic missions here, continue to frame an absurd narrative that Uganda is a criminal state spinning out of control” (OO, 15.02.2021).

What is really striking is saying that Bobi Wine and Besigye is actors with a political play. While not stating the reason for their actions. Not like the cars of these politicians has been attacked. That both have been close to assassinations. Not like the armed forces and police has used violent means on the campaign trail. No, the opposition have been able to travel across the Republic without any issues. No, they have not been close to live-bullets, ambushed, tear-gassed or even slept on the road-side, as the hotels was not open for them.

Well, the government spokesperson calls that democracy and “fair game” I suppose.

If Ofwono Opondo was the spokesperson in biblical time. He would have attacked the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. OO would have deemed him criminal and called him a “terrorist”. His disciples would have been a gang of crooks and their dogma was to cause “unrest”. OO would have said the stories of Jesus resurrecting and rising up from the dead as a “lie”. The spokesperson would have dismissed all believers and called them out for blasphemy. OO would have said that Jesus couldn’t have died on the cross, if he rose from the dead on the third day. That is the sort of man OO is.

He will not say it himself. Because that is tarnishing his life work and dedication to the throne. His the loyal subject and will defend anything for Museveni. All of his life has been in his hands and he will write it in blood if he has too. That is who he is and that is why we got to call him out for it and not accept his lies. Peace.

Drone Watch: The Police is serving a poor excuse of a meal on a plate [the food fell off actually]

Many of these vehicles are new and when they are being imported, they come with very small number plates fixed infront and sometimes they are not fixed in the hind part. At times those small plates fall off and you see them on the highway” – the acting Police Director in charge of Traffic ad Road Safety, Lawrence Niwabiine (15.02.2021).

The drones or the Panda Gari’s is ravaging the Republic. The state is getting scrutiny and public outcries. As civilians are taken by plained clothed individuals and taken into these “drones” to unknown locations, kept incommunicado and tortured at ungazetted “safe-houses”. This being done in “secret” by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and other security agencies. The numbers of how many that is taken is fluid, as the state only drops a minor number, which isn’t reflecting the reality on the ground. Neither is the state account for the ones left for dead and deposed on field like slaughtered prey.

Therefore, the Police Director Niwabiine must think people are foolish, stupid and dumb. These sort of statements only shows their lack brightness. There is nothing smart about this. We know why it doesn’t have number-plates, because then they cannot be traced. It is not like the general public can get the Vehicle Indication Number (VIN) on the Chassis. That numbers is something the producer have and the possible importer for the vehicle book. However, the Niwabiine wants us really to believe this:

First ascertain(why the vehicle is numberless) because the owner cant carry it to the licencing authority for a new number plate.” (Niwabiine, 15.02.2021).

That he wants us to believe that is saying a lot. Because that means the car owner isn’t able to register as a person at Uganda Revenue Authority and also at the DT Regional Service centres. Where you drop the paperwork to prove your claim to the vehicle, paying the fees and showing the books on the vehicle. So, that the car can get registered and get its number plate.

What is also striking is that the common issues for used Toyota Hiace is thick white and grey smoke from the exhaust. Additional noise when the car decelerate. Another common defect is a shaking clutch. This happens sometimes when the car have issues during the start-up. There is also issues with Diesel engines not starting in hot weather. That is the heat-up stopping the ignition switch from turning. Last common issues with a Hiace is having trouble in cold mornings as the plugs are not working properly and struggling with the weather changes.

All of these are common issues from a reputable Japanese Car Exporter page (Carused.jp). There is nothing there about troubles or issues with number-plates. That shows the dishonesty. As we know perfectly well the drill and the reason behind the lack of number-plates.

The reason for no number-plate is that they don’t want traceability or ability to figure out where it has been. The “drone” can just be ghost appearing and leaving with its prey. There can be no direction or monitor of its movement. As the vehicle have no other sign or proof to be the same vehicle. Yes, people know the White Toyota Hiace and how it looks, but there could be several of these and doesn’t have to be a “drone”.

That is why the agents or law enforcement using these “drones” have kept them anonymous to ensure no-one can sport the right one or be sure that it is really a “drone”. That is how to mask yourself and keep it hidden. As the public cannot search for the VIN and surely they cannot have a hallmark to trace a car – the number-plate.

This secrecy is for a reason and also to strike fear into the people. As every-time they see a car that resembles the “drone”. They will worry and feel disdain. They know what happen to others and that’s why they will be frighten by just the outlook of having it in their streets. Because, they know how these cars are used and they are a tool for oppression, torture, kidnappings and even death. This is why people fear those cars.

The lack of number-plate is just a method to mask over and to not be able to find out the owner or placement of the set vehicle. Usually that is a trick of thieves and robbers, who doesn’t want to be captured and used by villains. Alas, this is used by state actors with ill intent to keep silent and not be able to find their ways. This is done to keep it under a wraps and terrorize the public as they see fit.

They are doing this deliberately now and now they are trying to downplay it. That is really disingenuous and insincere. The Police Force is also thinking the general public is stupid and that they will accept this reasoning. Just like they hope someone can red-tape it and call it a night. Peace.

Museveni shows no remorse towards the ones abducted by “drones” [BTW: He only yawns]

The talk of disappearances should be ignored because it can’t happen under the National Resistance Movement . Under NRM, even if a mistake is made, it will be discovered or answered. That’s the point i wanted to mention tonight” Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, State Address on the 13th February 2021

Today, the President promised to address the abductions and the kidnaps of the state. He would address the security of the Republic. However, he only continued to show disregard of the public and the ones kidnapped. It is just like don’t care. Maybe that was why he yawned and was tired. Not strange his tired… he has been ruling for 35 years and seems tired.

However, President Museveni didn’t act sincere or speak with heart. No, he didn’t even want to be on TV and broadcast to the nation. Surely, the old man rather wanted to rear his goats or look after his cattle. Because the President doesn’t care about the violations of the citizens and his dissidents. No, he rather let them burn, as he promised to crush the opposition. Clearly, that’s what his doing and doing deliberately…

This is why he says stuff like this:

The security forces are taught not to violate civilians rights with impunity. If that happens, there will be consequences. The UPDF is a very disciplined force” (Museveni, 13.02.2021).

There were people who were arrested by CMI. They were in 2 categories which involved 177 who were granted bail or released. Another are 65 still being investigated. Their names should be made public so that this talk of disappearance is answered” (Museveni, 13.02.2021).

I was hearing in the papers that there is a stampede on the issue of disappearance. Every Ugandan under NRM will be accounted for” (Museveni, 13.02.2021).

It never gets old that the army is so disciplined, but still they violate citizens and kills them without any punitive action. The state clearly abducts, arbitrary arrests, tortures and kills, as the President isn’t really addressing it. Also, his numbers are way low and there are several of people who haven’t been accounted for. Again the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni think they can drop so insignificant numbers. When we have heard about so many more.

Now, the President told the Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) is behind the “drones”. It shows what sort acts the state does to its citizens. When such an organization is behind it and does it. It is not like they have warrant, charged or even sentenced. This is why the outrage and the outcry, as civilians are taken without any legal remedy and its an injustice served them.

It is not like this is done with the “Equal Before Law” or “ Habeas Corpus”. No, they are doing that with impunity. This is why the President tries to address it. I don’t believe the numbers. When the opposition numbers is so much higher and most likely more accurate. Because, the National Unity Platform is attacked and more stories are coming out. Therefore, the numbers the President dropped and been made less.

So… Museveni thinks people are stupid. However, people should accept this. He doesn’t care and rule of law is meaningless. He thinks this is good enough and valid arguments. While citizens are abducted, held and ends up dead on the watch of the state. The CMI might be part of it, but maybe ISO and others too. God knows who does all of this. The “Panda Gari’s” or Drones just show how little the President cares about the rights of the citizens.

This is why he comes out about it. But he doesn’t show any remorse or care about it. Just trying to boost his ego and his power. Not being there as a representative. He thinks he can get away with it. That’s because he gotten away with it before. Museveni thinks that happens today too. Peace.

Opinion: The dead won’t scream [and that’s why we got to do it]

With everyday there is never ending trail of violence, abductions and extra-judicial killings. As bodies are dropped, people are gone for months and stories of torture is coming in the press. Still, the government is acting naive and its spokespeople isn’t saying much either. People are being arbitrary arrested, abducted and even killed. They are harmed because of their political affiliation and their activism for an opposition candidate and the new party National Unity Platform (NUP).

There is unverified reports of thousands upon thousands of people collected by the security organizations. They are kept in undisclosed locations and incommunicado for days. Nobody allowed to access them and the loved ones have no idea why they were arrested in the first place. These drones are taking civilians without any due process. They are “guilty of a crime” before they gotten warrants, charged or even sentenced. That is a violation of their rights and is pure injustice.

The stories of how it is happening is repeated…. the drone is coming at night. The plain-clothed security agents are storming a home. Knocking on doors and invading privacy. These folks are taking the activists, candidates and even elected representatives without any forewarning. Where they are put in a ungazetted “safe-house”. This is where they are tortured and detained without legal justification. Some is so badly treated that they are dumped in a random location or a field. Because, the state and security agencies will not bury them. They could could arrest them and torture them, even kill them, but will not honour their bodies and soul with a burial.

That is how dangerous and the security organizations are working tirelessly. The white drone is passing by without a numberplate. Spreading fear and violence. There is no peace, but only brutal reign. Where the NUP is beaten and destroyed. The state is letting people vanish out of thin-air. People are worried for their lives and seeing neighbours, friends and relatives suddenly taken by state.

Life has no value to the rulers. Law is meaningless, when life is cheap. When you can take a life with no justification or reason. Then there is “rule of law”. When the “Habeas corpus” principal is practically dead and other principal of “equal before the law” is in coma too. There is no way these principals matters, when people lose their rights overnight and nobody knows what happens.

The state acts oblivious and even like they don’t know. When everyone is hearing stories and people writing stories about “loved ones” taken away. When there is stories of sudden dumps of bodies without any reasoning. The lives are taken and the Republic is burning. The state is driving this and the various of state security apparatus is behind it. They are doing it and there is no retribution for it. They are allowing it and letting the ones sanctioning it off the hook.

Just like the Police Force needed the Presidential Approval to continue the investigation into Zebra Mundo’s death of last year. That is not solved, because the President haven’t accepted continued investigation of it. There is certainly more inside orders and play, which we have no idea of. If we did, it wouldn’t be so mystified and uncertain.

The state wants the NUP and Bobi Wine to be silenced. They are trying to do that with autrocities and depreciative means. Total destruction and hopeless violence, which will only show how the naked the emperor is. Since he got no moral authority, but only have the shackles of innocent men. Only have the skulls of dissidents and unnamed bodies in the fields of the Republic. That what Museveni has now.

He can address the nation, but the skulls and the shackles of his citizens speaks louder than his words. It shows his fear and intimidation. As he uses the armed and monopoly of violence on his citizens.

The Drones the modern “Panda Gari’s” is the flesh and blood of this regime. It is what the state is resembling. Because it cannot be popular or loved, when civilians are treated in this manner. There is no way the President and his men is guaranteed to be “stewards” of the Republic. No, they are people who needs to military punishment of civilians to reign supreme. That is medieval and not progressive, but what “liberators” of the past is offering the people of today.

If a innocent dies in the hands of the President. We got to tell their stories. We got to scream their names and we got remember their legacy. Because, the state took them and ended their lives early. Their lives was taken without mercy or justice. These innocent people shall be remembered and be reason to rebuke the leadership of today.

President Museveni cannot run away or look smug in the midst of this. He cannot insight more fear or institutionalized brutality. Unless, he wants soldiers to run from house to house to scare even more. That is the only thing he has left. Because all other sort of punitive action he has used without public orders. The President has used vicious means and this cannot last forever. He knows that, but still he persist with it. Hoping it doesn’t cause an outcry or spark a revolution. Still, at one point…

He might kill the wrong brother for no apparent reason. Someone who matters and who is the voice of a generation. Even someone who is the breathing ideal of the times we are living. With the extensive measure and means of oppression. At one point he might nail that coffin and shut the case without knowing it. As his security officers are killing someone who can spark a flame he cannot blow-out with a few meaningless words. No, there is no way he can change the history or revise the blood.

The bloodshed is already there and this is the legacy of Museveni. That he turned into the same, as the ones he overthrew. What is worse… is that Museveni knows better, but he see himself as the exemption. Alas, that isn’t the case. In the end of all things. He will meet the maker just like all of us. Then he has to ask for grace and mercy for his actions. Then God will decide his fate. That is not for us to judge, but we can hope God answer our prayers. As there have been no vindication while we was walking on earth. Peace.

IGG Report says the UPF spent 20 billions shillings on repairing a helicopter [bought in 1986]

The Inspectorate of Government investigated the allegations that the Uganda Police Force (UPF) inflated the cost of repair and overhaul of the Bell 206L Police Helicopter to UGX 20 Billion, yet a similar new Helicopter costs less than for the said repair” (IGG – ‘BI- ANNUAL INSP 10 ECTORATE OF GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT TO PARLIAMENT (JANUARY – JUNE 2020)’ February 2021).

The Inspector General Report of February 2021 states the government and Uganda Police Force used more money on repairing an old helicopter than actually buying a new one. In 2018 the Observer stated that this chopper had been grounded for 15 years.

What is really striking by this is the ability of the Police Force to pay as much to fix this old one, than actually procuring a new one instead. The report is stating this and say it with such a finesse. That I quote the report itself here:

The Bell 206 Long Ranger Helicopter was overhauled, repaired and restored at a total cost of US$ 1,778,797.92 out of which US$ 1,134,037.39 was paid, leaving a balance of US$ 644,760.53. According to M/s Yamasec Ltd, the above amount was as a result of extra parts installed in the Helicopter. The sampled amount for a similar new Helicopter was found to be between US$ 11,453,323 and US$ 11,794,836 depending on its customization. It was therefore not true as alleged that UPF inflated the cost of repair of the Helicopter to an amount that could cost a new one” (IGG – ‘BI- ANNUAL INSP 10 ECTORATE OF GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT TO PARLIAMENT (JANUARY – JUNE 2020)’ February 2021).

The Observer reported this about the helicopter in 2018: “The oldest police helicopter is set to fly again after being grounded for more than 15 years. The police air wing has completed refurbishing the seven seater Bell 206B American helicopter, which was grounded in 2002. The helicopter was purchased in 1986 shortly after President Museveni took power” (The Observer – ‘Oldest police helicopter flies again after 15 years’ 31.05.2018).

So, the helicopter is as old as the regime itself. It was bought in 1986. That means the state used 20 billions to repair such a chopper. Well, the state claims a chopper cost more than repairing, but a quick search on the web shows you can get the newest type of 2016 Bell 505 Jet Ranger X for US$1.2m. So, when you take the US$ 1,7m versus US$1.2m. That is by all means a new helicopter, but without any specs or specific add-ons. Still, that says it all. Shows that the UPF gave the IGG inflated prices on a new helicopter. Though the price I have is for a new one without additional equipment, but that is for a modern one and not an old one from the mid-80s.  

That shows the Uganda Police Force is disingenuous to the IGG in this matter. Yes, there would be added costs, transport and added specific needs for the Force. However, it should be an incentive to have a modern chopper and no just upgrade an old chopper with the same age as the regime. It wouldn’t be shocking if the chopper is soon grounded again. That because of its age and the worry of the pilots to fly the bird in the sky.

It doesn’t help that the IGG Report says this: “UPF Authorities submitted two names of pilots to be trained by M/s Yamasec Ltd. However, by the time of completion of the investigations in January 2020, M/s Yamasec Ltd had advised that they needed persons who were already trained as Pilots and only required to undergo type rating training. The Engineers were yet to complete their training course at the East African Civil Aviation Academy, Soroti, before being forwarded to M/s Yamasec Ltd for Helicopter training” (IGG – ‘BI- ANNUAL INSP 10 ECTORATE OF GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT TO PARLIAMENT (JANUARY – JUNE 2020)’ February 2021).

So, the engineers are not yet to complete training, but they have worked on the helicopter. That says something and if this is still grounded. That wouldn’t be shocking and that someone ate the money. As the company was paid such a fortune to fix an old helicopter. The state showed it off for a brief moment in 2018, but surely its a back-up item now. Especially, when the investigation shows these sort of results. It is not a sign of strength.

The Uganda Police Force can rely on some information to the IGG. As this is published, shows they are not as truthful. Especially on the pricing of a new versus fixing this old helicopter. It was a reason why it was grounded. These sort of things has short shelf-life, because of the worry that they can fall from the sky.

That should worry pilots and also the ones caring about “value for money”, because there is more modern air-crafts ready and able to procure. If the state wants their pilots to fly in a manner, which is safe and ready to serve the general public. Peace.

IGG Report says the Office of the President had two “papal” cars in their parking-lot since 2015…

We know that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is obsessed with cars or vehicles. That is why the most important gift to the government during the lockdowns in 2020 was just that. He just wanted cars and that was the solution to everything.

I just started to go through Inspectorate General of Government Report of February 2021. The first thing that caught my eye was this simple story. It is just showing how much control the State House or Office of the President has. As they can control minor things and hold it in their possession for years. This is maybe just two expensive cars for one visit. However, if they can do that to such things. What can the same authorities do with bigger and even more expensive things?

Here is the paragraph that caught my eye:

The Office of the President entered into MOU with Ministry of Works and Transport for purchase of two vehicles for use by His Holiness the Pope during his visit to Uganda in November 2015 and provided UGX. 322,200,000 for executing the MOU. MOWT purchase a black new Kia Soul 5 door Hatchback UG2519C and a new Mitsubishi Pick Up UG2520C. The two vehicles were handed over to the President’s Office for use by MOWT after the Pope’s visit. They were found parked at the Office of the President parking yard at the time of this investigation” (IGG – ‘BI- ANNUAL INSPECTORATE OF GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT TO PARLIAMENT (JANUARY – JUNE 2020)’ P:7, February 2021).

That means the Office of the President have kept these cars since November 2015 and meaning the vehicles was still in the possession in the time of June 2020. As this report is the investigations made between January to June 2020, but published in February 2021. Therefore, the vehicles might be gone by now, but that is only matter of trust that this investigation made a difference. However, there should be a check-up on that. Because, who knows who has been using these two vehicles since the Pope Francis left Uganda?

Just imagine cars destined to be used by the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) have been stationed at the wrong place for close to 5 years. They were actually parked outside the Office of the President during the investigation.

The was even questions about these cars back in 2018: “Members of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee have questioned officials in the Office of the President over the whereabouts of two cars used by Pope Francis when he visited Uganda in 2015” (NTV Uganda, 19.10.2018).

So now in February 2021 we know where they are, unless the Office of the President have actually given them back to MoWT where they were supposed to be. Nevertheless, that shows the state of affairs and how they care about expenditure of the state. When cars can just be lost for years and be on a parking-lot. If not used by the wrong authority for years. We don’t know that, but these cars was new.

That we know, because the Daily Monitor reported this in December 2015: “Joseph Ssemuwemba is the Chief Executive Officer of The Motorcenter East Africa Ltd. I found him in his office located on Plot 16 Old Portbell Road attending to his daily work. He was happy to share his experience of securing the opportunity to supply the Papal vehicle, and also the pressure that comes with such honour. “We know the Pope prefers modest transport and we have a history of the Pope having travelled in a Kia Soul while in South Korea and the interesting part here, is that this was his personal choice in Seoul, It wasn’t about government availing him any transport, it was about “of all these cars on this list what car would you like to use?” and his pick was the boxy stylish Kia Soul,” Ssemuwemba says” (Daily Monitor – ‘Pope Francis’ little black car’ 17.12.2015).

So, this isn’t a big whoop or a tragic tale, but is a story of misused fortunes and wasted funds on two cars. Where the resources are wasted and used for grandeur for a visit, but is never getting where they are intended. We don’t know what the MoWT was intending to use these cars for. However, they was supposed to be sitting in a parking-lot for all these years. Peace.

Uganda: Ministry of ICT and National Guidance – Restoration of Social Media Services (10.02.2021)

Opinion: OO’s despicable Op-ED

Today, Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo wrote an Op-ED that got published in Watchdog Uganda called ‘OFWONO OPONDO: Bobi Wine, People Power, NUP and the Poisonous Ends of Politics’. I will dissect his piece. Where I go through the most insincere paragraphs from his piece. As I will not go through it all. I will just show his sentiment and willing to distort the truth. In a manner, which isn’t right. It is not a new thing, but something that is done deliberately before.

So, before my introduction becomes to long. Here we go!

There is evidently a disturbing sameness between Kyagulanyi and Besigye of old, seeking to exploit other people’s miseries like poverty and want for their poisonous ends. In political speak, Kyagulanyi now also calls President Museveni, ‘dictator’ and ‘corrupt’ which begs the question how toxic ideas and rogue language have found convergence allowing opportunists, demagogues, and potential fascists to gain entry and influence into mainstream politics” (OO, 09.02.2021).

It is very rich of OO calling the “usage” of poverty as an poisonous end. A government who has used poverty and the lack of funds as way of survival over the years. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have promised to enrich and secure the future since its inception. The NRM and the President have promised to be a fundamental change and secure the peasants, which it never did. So, the possible poison in the water is what the government does. Since, they can never achieve to bring wealth and secure livelihood.

Secondly, the political speak is really easy to debunk. The President call people insects, vermin and leeches. The President and states own actions deems him a dictator. When the state arrests people for their political affiliation. When the state abducts political candidates, activists and supporters. They even return dead. So, the government spokesperson should consider the acts of his peers before he name-calls the opposition. If the government was so holy, why are they targeting the opposition in this manner and what would OO call this?

Exploiting economic hardships and unemployment especially among the youths, Kyagulangi and NUP has built networks of riff-raff vigilantes around the country mainly in urban and suburban centres to harass citizens with all sorts of malevolent tactics including physical assault, violent robbery, arson and destruction to property. If left to roam unchecked, these groups could even kill” (OO, 09.02.2021).

He continues to push the use of poverty. That is really insincere from this government. Who has used all sort of tricks and schemes to every election. The state is giving and bribing voters around every election. Not like they are not doling out small gifts, but never seen the rest of year. That he call them riff-raff, is name-calling and making his own citizens into dubious characters. However, the NRM is always proud of getting NUP cadres into its fold. Just like they are proud of getting former NUPer becoming Presidential Advisors. That says it all and the state is the ones coming with guns, violence and tear-gas. So, that appears when the state comes in and use its law enforcement. Therefore, this story is old and is a lie. The protesters are burning tires and blocking roads. They are not directly causing violence. It is the state that kills its citizens and blame the protesters.

Kyagulanyi, initially taking advantage of his music pop stardom built a cult-like following into what the so-called ‘people power’ movement that has now morphed into a political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), which while has a semblance of countrywide presence, in reality, the just concluded election showed it is a tribal sectarian outfit” (OO, 09.02.2021).

It is really strange when one party who can only have one sole-candidate and everyone have to follow his orders. Is saying another candidate is “cult” like. If there was a party who has built a cult it must be the Movement itself. Nobody can challenge or questions the decrees, orders and speeches of Museveni. So, to call Bobi Wine a cult like character is very dubious at best.

It has been proven that the NUP have a nationwide presence. They have been able to field candidates across all parts of the Republic. Even in the short time of inception. The NUP isn’t a Baganda outfit, even if the state tries to portray that. The NRM should be careful with this, as most of the high ranking official is Western and Ankole based. So, OO should not throw stones in a glass house. The Bizonto elite of NRM should be more silent here. They know perfectly well, that the NUP and FDC is a mixed group and collective of all tribes across the Republic.

Like Besigye, NUP leaders tell their gullible worshippers that poverty, unemployment and corruption are creations of Museveni, and not widespread global problems including in wealthier and developed countries” (OO, 09.02.2021).

Who is gullible OO? The ones still believing the NRM saving them after 35 years? The NRM have come with the same recycled promises and still haven’t delivered. That isn’t a global problem, but a self-inflicted and self-destructive economic policies. The state is running on deficits and grants, but not on domestic revenue. That is not the poor peasants fault, but the state who haven’t made it possible to get out of it. The state is the one putting policies and financial stimulus to ensure safety for the citizens. It is where the NRM have failed and haven’t delivered.

Calling NUP out like this only shows the fault-lines and where the NRM failed. It is not an indication of wrong-doing of the opposition. That is not taking into account the years of misrule of Museveni.

The hyped claim that FDC and NUP are the people’s popular choices has been thoroughly disproved by their performance in the just concluded election, and although failure to sell as national brands is evident, FDC and NUP leaders won’t publicly admit, hence them resorting to political slander and smear” (OO, 09.02.2021).

This here is false statement. If rigged elections are indications of NRM popularity. I would say that pre-ticked ballots and ghosts are the greatest constituencies of the Movement. Both in 2016 and 2021 the rise of the opposition was evident. The same was also shown in 2011. So, it is not like the NRM have been as popular as it was in the mid-80s and early 90s.

The NUP and FDC have proven it, but the announced results always turn in favour. Even when the tallies doesn’t make sense and the Electoral Commission have to botch the numbers. The FDC and NUP amount of MPs in comparison shows how big they become. As the state are stopping them from working as parties and get a greater presence in the Republic. It is just like the NRM are never blocked or stopped. However, the NUP and FDC have a hurdle to do basic party works. That is really important to remember. It is just like we supposed to forget the tear-gas, arbitrary arrests and blocking of venues to campaign. If that had happened to the NRM itself, which is so “popular”.

When reality strikes back as loud noise is not turned into votes, they cry about vote fraud and rigging but will never explain to the public as to why some MPs, LC5 chairpersons and thousands of councilors are returned unopposed on NRM tickets. The presidential election petition is now being used more for publicity stunt, soliciting public empathy and foreign funding than to seek legitimate justice” (OO, 09.02.2021).

The Empire strikes back at every election. Just like previously stated, the pre-ticked ballots and ghosts are always appearing in election time. The NRM couldn’t survive the elections without disqualifying and blocking opposition from attending on a grand scale. The NRM does what the UPC did in 1980s election, every single time. That is why they are fielding candidates everywhere, while the opposition isn’t able, because the state is blocking and ensuring the opposition from getting candidates.

To credit unopposed in the gerrymandering, the vindictive system and use of state machinery to get elected officials. That OO calls it a political stunt shows the disrespect of the opposition. However, his whole piece has been that. The NRM wouldn’t be alive without foreign funding and Museveni was a donor darling. So, the NRM cannot attack the Opposition for foreign funding. When it has been so vital … for the Movement itself.

Anyone who can see the potential dangers these groups pose to Uganda’s politics ought to take a stand so that resurgent fascists are defeated at their nascent stage, otherwise the overlap between legitimate politics and criminality could engulf the fabric of our public life” (OO, 09.02.2021).

This is the last paragraph of his piece and he has already shown his character here. It is all opposition who is in the wrong. Not that the NRM and Museveni. No, it is Besigye and Bobi Wine. They are the bastards and the villains of the political sphere. It maybe feels like that for the NRM and Museveni, as they want to be praised and loved. However, it is hard to love someone who abduct your loved ones. The ones who Court Martial your campaign team and keep them behind bars without proving evidence. Therefore, if you speak of criminality. To use the state for political prosecutions, that is a violation of their rights to assemble, gather and organize itself. Nevertheless, that is never an issue for the NRM. So, to call out criminal activity, they can never state what it was, but they still behind bars. That is the self-reflection of the wrong-doings of the state, which OO defends on the regular.

This here was a despicable piece and deserve to dishonoured. OO should consider the words his using, as it can be easily mirrored back in his face. Which I did already. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Press Release – Hon. Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert Election Petition (08.02.2021)

Imagine if the “Panda Gari’s” went after the NRM.

Now in 2021 it is so common placed that people associated with National Unity Platform (NUP) and opposition parties are suddenly left earth without a trace. The “drones” or “Panda Gari’s” are abducting civilians without charges, warrants or any criminal proceedings. It is happening to an extent that is hard to follow. In such a systemic manner, where you know that, if your affiliated or associated as a mobilizer, activists or a candidate. You can easily be picked up for months, be at a “safe-house”, tortured and held incommunicado without any legal representation or words to loved ones.

With the knowledge of this. The state should rebuke it. They have only made vague nonsensical statements with maligned numbers and stories. Only a few chosen ones and they claim they will do inquiries into it. However, the security organizations are still continuing to do so. Which they have been doing for months. They are taking people away, if it is the Special Force Command (SFC), the Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) or Internal Security Organisation (ISO). The SIU Kireka and high ranking officials will act aloof and not be directly about this.

Because, there is several thousands of civilians taken by this and we don’t know the damage to then. There is already murder cases because of this, but these will never be solved. As the “high above” will be implicated or his closest associates who is ordering these arrangements. That is why they can do this without no fear or retribution. They can avoid the law and be above it too.

So, when you know all of this. Imagine if the state and all of its security organizations would do this to the elite and Movement people. Just consider suddenly high ranking bankers, lawyers, generals and appointees of the President would suddenly go missing.

Let’s say that Gen. Elly Tumwiine suddenly was taken away from his home in the middle of the night. They apprehended him, blindfolded him and dispatched him to another district into a “safe-house”. Where they would keep him chained and in dark chamber. He couldn’t contact anyone and they had “intelligence” of his treasonous acts.

Or they suddenly raided the Bank of Uganda and took the Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile. Early morning as his swinging by his office. They would sprint up with the drone. Be plained clothed and armed. Just viciously sneaking him from the offices into the car before he was taken away to an unknown ungazetted safe-house in Mukono.

Let’s say the honourable minister Frank Tumwebaze was taken from his home. In the middle of the night with gun-fire and fatalities of his guards at his home. They would all of a sudden come with guns blazing and take him by the bulls. Hurt his legs and break one of his arms. Just twist him down the stairs, as he tried to flee from the plain-clothed assailants that night. Alas, they caught him and brought him “justice”.

The likes of Ashburg Katto, Jennifer Full Figure and Butchaman would all be publicly taken away as they we’re planning to go a national event. These was supposed to participate at the rally or ceremony with the President. Just as they were leaving their homes. The drones came and just take them away. No justification. Just pure injustice for their association with the Movement.

That is what they would do. Also, if I would amp it a bit up. Just as the close associates have been taken away from Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. His campaign team and closest associates have been behind bars and also Court Martial by the state. Therefore, we have to imagine the state would take much further then Presidential Advisors, minister and a NRA historical.

The drones would continue to go after people in association with the movement. They would target NRM Central Executive Committee (NRM CEC) who are high ranking officials. Just to plunge the party even more.

They would kidnap the likes of Simon Peter Aleper, Sigh Katongole, Captain Mike Mukula, Godfrey Ssuubi Kiwanda, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Jacob Oulanyah, Rebecca Kadaga and Al Hajj Moses Kigongo. All of these would be overnight taken by the drones. They would be left without a trace. The only one knowing about these are the loved ones. Who without a notice saw plained-clothed men taking them into drones in the night. They jumped over fences and silenced the guards around their houses. Where they took them out violently.

Let’s say suddenly Sam Kuteesa was abducted, taken to a “safe-house” and his newly elected daughter Shartsi Kutesa Musherure MP would be taken shortly after. Even her main competitor in the NRM Aine Godfrey “Sodo” Kaguta would also be kidnapped by the same group. All of them was missing for days and no words. In the same regard, the newly minted MP and former GAVI funds eater Jim Muhwezi was violently taken away from his home. Nobody would currently know where he is, sort of how folks felt with the GAVI-Funds back-in-the-day. When nobody knew where it is, but its supposed to be there for medicinal procurement. All of these people in close association went missing. The Movement and the NRM would go crazy and go to war to get these folks home.

However, the drones and Panda Gari’s are not done yet. They would continue and make sure the vicious cycle continues. Just because they take away the Kutesa and Museveni’s cousin. They wouldn’t be done yet.

Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga would have been taken on the way to office. They would suddenly block his car and tear-gas his car. They would drag him out of his SUV. They would let his car be on the roadside. He would act aggressively and shot against the plain-clothed officers. In the end of the melee, the son-of-the-president would be taken and bruised by the officers. This would alarm the State House.

If any of this happened. There would be a vast outcry. It would be shocking. The whole NRM world would be in haywire. The state would have started to attack and use its power to fence these people down. They wouldn’t have slept at ease at night while people innocently or uncharged got taken away. The NRM would maybe been more in fury and been acting with more force. If these actions happened to them. Alas, it is happening to the opposition and their associates. That is why it doesn’t matter to them.

This is happening on the daily and to regular to not be spoken out about. When about 3000 people have been taken this way. When so many civilians with political affiliation is abducted, kidnapped, tortured and detained indefinitely without charges, court trial or due process. It should worry anyone, as well, as people are ending up dead as well without any justice. It is infuriating and injustice at its highest form.

That is why I wrote it this way. To make you imagine, if it happened to the big-men, the ones who is high ranking and close associates of the President. If these was touched like the NUP associates. Maybe it would cause a bigger outcry and also condemnation. As the civilians are taken by the drones or “Panda Gari’s” and its worrying. The state is looking the other way, but other state operatives are ordering it. If the state didn’t support it or wasn’t doing it. It wouldn’t happen, because they are the only ones who has the structure, manpower and ability to do this at this scale. Peace.