Opinion: Museveni “owns” the airwaves

The ones who believes the campaigns or the rallies or anything associated with the 2021 General Elections will be free and fair? Who are we kidding here. The National Association of Broadcasters sent a letter to the Uganda Communication Commission on the 20th November 2020 because of the announcement of a National Address every Sunday by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Therefore, announcing that he would have the whole broadcast and all channels with his speeches.

The letter from NAB is fine by itself. However, it will not amount to anything. The ideals behind is fine. Nevertheless, the system is for Museveni and Museveni alone. To think otherwise in 2020 is naive. The UCC and Radio Stations have been cut mid-broadcast because an opposition candidate is speaking. Radios have blocked and not been allowed to air opposition candidates. Secondly, the UCC have sent out Memo’s warning people for having Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine on air. Therefore, this enterprise futile.

NAB means well and the ideal is good. Still, we know it won’t amount to anything. The UCC and the other authorities will digress and configure, mellow the reason and find a short-cut to make sound reasonable. When we all know that this is only to batter his message. No matter if it is profound, sincere or real at all.

Museveni and the National Resistance Movement aren’t even trying to play fair. They are not even faking fairness in campaigns. They are upper blocking, rigging and ensuring the opposition doesn’t have the abilities or the option to campaign like they do. The President can smile and grin. He can be all hospitable. While his law enforcement and soldiers are killing people in the streets. Therefore, the man that doesn’t bat an eye over the deaths.

Do you think he will care about fairness in the media and in publications?

This man will use all tools. No matter what. The man will use force, take the opportunity and have long speeches. He had the COVID-19 speeches. Several of them. Actually, he had around 20 of them. It was a running series. The old man miss it so much. That he has to reinvent it.

The lectures of old. The fear and intimidation, every single Sunday. The old man will be on the screens, on the radios and online. Speaking his ruthless and reckless behaviour. Expecting to be honoured like a Statesman, but acting like mobster. He easily get hostile and grabs the guns. So, don’t expect positive messaging.

The man need to show that he has the guns, the authorities and the total power. Yes, he does “own” the airwaves. However, he doesn’t own people’s mind. This is why we don’t have to listen. Don’t even have to turn it on. Just let it all go. He has said everything before… it is recycling and repetition. The boring lecturer that makes you fall asleep in class. That is the sort of affair and the spectacle his serving. Only his minions will sprinkle some additional spices and call it feast. Even when know its not worthy the price.

The old man would be better just being on the campaign trail and being amongst his own. Instead, of spewing garbage every Sunday. However, the broadcasters has no choice. Because, if they defy the man. He will revoke their license and their doors will be bolted shut. That is the game he plays and he doesn’t care. Peace.

Soon 4 Years since the Kasese Massacre: Some of King Mumbere’s Guards and Officials to be released… [still no real investigation into the matter]

KASESE – The Government is to start releasing subjects and some of the officials of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu who were arrested and jailed following the November 2016 security raid on the cultural institution. During the raid, security forces also picked the Rwenzururu king, Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere. Sixteen security operatives and over 100 other subjects died in the incident” (John B. Thawite – ‘Govt to set Rwenzururu suspects free’ 21.11.2020, New Vision).

Since the 26th November 2016 and the Kasese clashes the Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu Charles Wesley Mumbere have been in exile and charged with two counts of murder, which if he had been indicted and on trial for it. The King of the Rwenzururu could get prison for life. However, the King and his men who has been arrested in 2016. Have never gotten justice, neither all the people who died those pivotal days in Kasese and at the Buhikira Royal Place who was burned down as well.

The charge was put on the King on the 28th November 2016. The case against have never been resolved and he has been put in exile ever since. Only allowed one visit to participate in a burial of his mother. Before having to return back to Kampala.

What is also striking about this, there was never any investigation into the murders and the mass-killings, as the Special Force Command and Flying Squad was participating in attacking the Royal Palace in October 2016. Like the state came with official numbers from 2016 was 62 deceased, but these other nunbers 70 identified dead, another 52 unidentified dead and 14 police officers dead. That is near double of what the says, which was 136 killed during the skirmishes.

The claimed they we’re going after the “Kirumiramutima” or “the Strong Hearted” a militia gathering in the area and soldiering up. Working together with the Kingdom. Alas, the reason for the sudden attack on the Palace and killing civilians. This taking lives of the Palace Guards and others in Kasese. However, what is sadly striking… is that this militia have never surfaced before or after the skirmishes of the state. It is seemingly on the state violence and their operation that created the deaths these days 4 years ago.

Still, there have been no investigation or look into the amount of killings. Only a dark and grim day of burring unidentified in a ceremony by clerical persons. Doing it while the army was monitoring the events. Therefore, we know the lives taken was quickly buried and hoped that no one question it.

While the King is charged with murder and has also charged with treason. There has never been any evidence of this. Neither has the militia the state claimed appeared and was dangerous haven’t been seen since the skirmishes four years ago. If that isn’t sign. Nothing really is.

That is why the state has to release these “suspects” because they are pulling things out of thin air. If there was anything. The state would have had a case and found them guilty of conspiring and doing criminal activity. Alas, that is not the case. The same should happen to the Obusinga as well. Since, they have no claim to hold him. Other than loosing their pride.

The ones that need to challenged and questioned for their actions in November 2016. Is the leadership of the SFC and the Flying Squad. This being Presidential Advisor on Security and former leader of the SFC Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga and army commander Gen. Elwelu who both was in-charge that day. However, these two gentlemen has since then promoted and not suffered any consequences over their actions. While the victims of it has faced the law with no proof. This is why they are getting released. The Kings Guard that was arrested shouldn’t only be released, but get punitive damages and get vindicated. Since, this was injustice and making them guilty before being innocent.

What happened in Kasese and the aftermath is the sort of act, which no Government with sense should do to their citizens. Alas, it did happen and went down, a tragedy and massacre. A state sponsored enterprise with no efforts or no investigation into how it did happen. As well as any indication or proof of the supposed intelligence to spark the attack on the Palace in the first place.

Therefore, the injustice and impunity of the state is so viable. The wounds are still fresh. This didn’t happen a decade ago. It just happened months after the previous election. It is therefore vital that this doesn’t go away, but is a reminder of what the state does to its own. How little life matters and little consequences there is taking lives. If it had consequences and had effects on the ones taking the lives in Kasese. They wouldn’t walk free and without any cases against them. These folks in the Flying Squad and Special Force Command wouldn’t be allowed to carry guns. They would be charged with murder and manslaughter themselves. However, that is not the case and it doesn’t seem to happen with this regime. They rather hope people forget and only hopes the families of the lost ones moves on in silence. Peace.

6 Briefcase parties supports Museveni

Under the “six friendly political parties” alliance, the leaders told journalists in Kampala that the decision to back the NRM candidate was not for selfish financial gains as they may be perceived, but to ensure their own growth. The political parties are; the Liberal Democratic Transparency (LDT), Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP), People’s United Movement (PUM), National Peasants’ Party (NPP), Green Partisan Party (GPP) and Society for Peace and Development (SDP)” (Nelson Kiva – ‘Opposition parties back Museveni’ 20.11.2020, New Vision).

In the midst of riots and demonstrations, the state and ruling regime needs to show that it has support from a wide spectrum of people. This is why the New Vision came with an article showing that six parties are under the banner of the President. That is done to show solidarity to the project of the President.

The ones taking serious… well, it is not a big deal. Mukasa Zaidi of LDT , if you wonder who he is. Well, your not alone. The party is most known for using AL-Hajji Nasser Ntege Sebaggala as the Presidential Candidate in 2016. Other than that … I cannot think of anything it has done.

The same can be said RPP’s Kaswabuli Joshua Clinton who started the party in 2014 to oust Museveni. Now 6 years later is supporting the man they supposed work against. Ironic, right?

After that you PUM’s Shadrack Ogemba is supporting Museveni this year, but that’s not something. Since, the party haven’t fielded an Presidential Candidate ever. As even back to 2006 they went behind the President and his camapaign.

Also, the NPP who was registered in 2004 and is represented with Segujja Wamala. NPP is like PUM who has supported the President since 2006. Not really been established or done anything significant.

You have GPP and Sentongo Muzafalu who was registered in 2010. If you haven’t heard about the party. I don’t blame you. It is a fringes and has nearly no wordings anywhere. So, throwing behind the President now. Makes sense… as they are not really anywhere.

Last party is the SDP who is the represented by Charles Adiaka. Who was registered in 2006. There is really nothing to mention about this party either.

So, when you see the NRM celebrates these ones. You know its all brief-case parties. It is not worthy of your time. It is really nothing to celebrate. These parties have no real structure or fan-base, supporters or people behind them. They are less relevant than many of the Presidential Candidates who runs as Independents. That says it all. Peace.

Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) – DSP Media Brief (20.11.2020)

Bobi Wine is on bail: Thou his not yet free

I’m not here because I committed a crime. I’m here because I offered myself to lead Ugandans into ending 35 years of dictatorship” Robert Kyagulanyi in trial at Iganga Magistrate Court (20.11.2020)

Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine is now on a non-cash bail after the arrest in Luuka district on the 18th November 2020. After 48 hours he was taken to court and is now officially charged by the authorities. This is as scheduled and has been done to opposition leaders plenty of times. Especially, the ones that gains popularity and recognition beyond what the President is ever getting.

Bobi Wine is a man that hits a nerve with the President and his men. His a man who has the ability to strike a cord with the youth, the unemployed and beyond the ghettos of Kampala and Wakiso district. This man is feared by them and this is why they are punishing him everytime they can.

That is why he was after 2 days detained at Nalufenya Police Station. He was sent to Iganga Magistrate Court to be charged and released on this bail. This means the case will linger and be used when the authorities needs it. Just like old cases has haunted other opposition leaders in the midsts of campaigns. While the state never release any evidence or affidavits to fit the charges. They are still prolonging the cases indefinitely. It is like they never end. As long as they have gotten touched by the state. It will follow you no matter where you go.

The Uganda Police Force will be on his tail. Whatever units they have will follow him. The Internal Security Organization (ISO) will monitor him. The Special Force Command (SFC) will be after him too. Everyone will try to pin something on him. The Regional Police Commanders and Residential District Commanders will also make life hard for Bobi Wine and the National Unity Platform.

That is why Police Spokesperson Fred Enaga is coming out with a Press Statement and a Presser too. Where he shows evidence and calls the NUP to action for the riots and demonstrations. While not taking any accountability for having men shooting at civilians and issuing tear-gas at any given moment. The authorities never does anything wrong, but always the opposition. They will never look into the reasons for why the official death-toll of 37. While it wouldn’t be shocking to speculate that the actual numbers are much worse. Because, there is some who isn’t considered and some whose never reported. However, the state would never ever take credit or see this. They want the numbers to be as low as possible, instead of dropping the actual truth.

This is why we know Bobi Wine isn’t free, neither are his associates or anyone else around him. They are a criminal enterprise in the eyes of the state and all their institution. They have targeted the NUP and everything associated with it since the inception and beginning of it. This is why people have been arrested for wearing berets, red-clothes and merchandise from the party. The police have crack-down and raided the offices of the party.

The recent action is just amping it up and showing violent force against it. Bobi Wine will not be free. Neither will the ones around him. They are in the aim of the state and it is ruthless. It isn’t free or fair, it is injustice and impunity. However, that is what they subscribe too.

We could wish and be more hopeful. However, his just on bail. They will arrest him again. They will use force and arbitrary arrest him. Bobi Wine will get into jeopardy and pay a hefty price. The ones supporting him. Will be degraded to hoodlums and hooligans. The state will give retribution, because the correct line is only to have one master and that is Museveni. Peace.

Uganda: Joint Statement by Presidential Candidates (20.11.2020)

National Youth Council: Press Statement by the National Youth Council Elect on Recent Events in Uganda (20.11.2020)

The 2021 Elections can be Museveni’s final 1980 Election

On the 14th January 2021 is the Presidential Election in the Republic. As things states the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is automatically winning. That is why the election is continuing. Because, he has put everything forward for a total victory. The rest is just procedure and pawns on his chess-set. His waiting to take everyone out, one by one and in the end up as the victor.

In regard to the 2021 elections nothing seems out of the ordinary in this fashion. Just like Dr. Milton Obote ordered full loyalty from all civil servants to his party. He appointed the Electoral Commission and District Commissioners. There was clear indication of gerrymandering, shut down public counting of the votes and suddenly announced the results over the radio.

Some of these things are not yet to happen, but knowingly how the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is working. We shouldn’t be shocked if some things are bound to happen in 2021.

First, the President has appointed loyalist and cronies into all institutions. They are directly involved in all government organizations. This being the Electoral Commission, Residential District Commanders, Judiciary, Police, Army and all other security organizations. Therefore, the President’s Men will be loyal and serve all his wishes.

Secondly, the state has been busy gerrymandering. That is why the extension of MPs never been higher between the 10th Parliament to the 11th Parliament. This is clearly done to able to fixate the voter registry and secure incumbent NRM friendly MPs. Just like the gerrymandering under Obote was to secure more UPC MPs in the Parliament.

Now, the President these days are offering a febrile and violent atmosphere, which could describe the days now. Museveni controls it all and orders everyone to his bidding. There is no difference from 1980 election. The election that brought him to the bush and made him overthrow the government at the time.

He is using the force to silence opposition. Using techniques of intimidation. His even arresting his main competitors. Like he arrested Patrick Oboi Amuriat and has still Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine behind bars as we speak. Therefore, the rules are rigged. The man does it differently. The names has changed, but the end-game is the same.

President Museveni is pushing on. Even as the army is on the streets. The scores of dead citizens is rising, the amounts of injured is on the rise too. This is the game the President is playing.

The 1980 election can teach us something. President Museveni felt scorned and was bitter. He felt cheated and used that as a reason for war. Now, his using the same means again. However, his the culprit and the head who spoils the polls in his favour.

That is the act that Obote did with the use of the mechanisms left behind by the colonial administration. Where the “administration” appointed the Electoral Commission, which is the same practice done today. This is why its loyal to the President and not to the public. Like so many of the other institutions who serves him, but not the public. They are all in the working for his end game. This is why there are MPs going directly into the next election without any polls. These are given the advantage before things are really starting.

That is why Museveni wants another 1980 election. The one reason for his reign and why “they fought”. When he has to rehash the sins of the past to get into power. In spite of giving reasons for others to become like he did. He walks into the same pitfalls, which he was supposed to liberate the people. An assertion we can all with time dismiss and know that he clearly haven’t regarded to fix. As that would make it impossible for him to win.

It is just a mere fact. In a free and fair election, where all candidates has a shot of winning. Museveni would never win. He wouldn’t have a half-chance. The old man wouldn’t even be reckoned with. So, if it wasn’t for all of his appointees, control of the state and intimidation. The man would have nothing and even less than Norbert Mao. Just think about that. Nobody in their right mind would elect that man can easily order the death or your son, daughter or nephew without a flinch of an eye.

That’s what he does and this is why the deaths of citizens doesn’t face him. Because, if it did. He would have acted differently. Like most of the time to show power he got to intimidate the public. Not that its enough with soldiers on the streets, para-military groups around and even armed people in plain clothes.

The 1980 election should be our lesson. As it shows where he gets the flair and bravado from. Museveni knows the Commonwealth and United Kingdom signed off the rigged election. There will be someone else doing his bidding this time. To ensure the election is legitimized in favour Obote. Now, in 2021 there will be someone else doing the bidding of Museveni. Surely we can expect Museveni wins by secure numbers and have total control of Parliament. Anything else is a shocker and a result the President wouldn’t accept.

Museveni doesn’t win elections, but he rigs them. Peace.

Electoral Commission: Statement on the Arrest of Presidential Candidate Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu (NUP) Party (19.11.2020)

Uganda Law Society: The Uganda Law Society Statement following the Unrests and Riots that took place on 18/11/2020, as a result of the arrest of Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and Mr. Patrick Oboi Amuriat (19.11.2020)