Opinion: Museveni celebrates mediocrity in Gulu

NRM has done its work well. Talk about it proudly. We had shortages of sugar, soap, beer, sodas, cement and all other essential goods. Today we are talking of surplus of all those and our problem is marketing them. How can you say NRM has done nothing when shops are full of products?(manufactured here)” Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Gulu (16.11.2020)

For being a man of so many promises, pledges, programs and development schemes. Him celebrating that there is goods in the shops and filled with localized products. Like that shows the growth, the greatness and the affirm leadership under him. That is just like Mwenda counting cars. It is the same sort of empty, wokoloso “hot-air” argument.

Banage, bambi… I would think a President of 35 years would have more to give. That a man who has run a Republic since 1986 would have more than soap, sugar and cement. If that was the industrial enterprises he would have offered. The man should surely have privatized most businesses, stopped the government control of produce and also industries themselves. This to get foreign investors, but also to get a hand in the pocket in any business deal there is. Therefore, to celebrate that shops has products is just weak tea.

The President could have said that he delivered things, but saying he brought maize flour and rice to the shops isn’t great, but expected. That the shops has air-time, bottled Rwenzori Water and Garden Tea shouldn’t be seen as superior, but that is normal trading. This isn’t something to scream of joy.

To celebrate this … is to celebrate bear-minimum and nothing else. It is like celebrating that people aren’t starving and are able to have nutritious diets. That should also be ensured and that nobody goes hungry. People should have food, shelter and water. Also, the opportunity to work and able to assemble political, religiously and get entertained, if possible. Therefore, to celebrate that there are units of goods in the stores isn’t a sign of a victor.

That is mediocrity. That is just not it. If that is what he says is good governing. He has lost the plot and lost his mind. This is not it. Unless, he wants to skate between the various of state lodges and State Houses to chill. That makes sense, because if his a lazy bugger in his advanced age. I don’t blame him. The man should have been retired already, just like the average civil servant. However, this man thinks his special.

Even if his offerings and his time in office hasn’t delivered. If having a Coke and Pepsi is a sign of what he has achieved. He surely have achieved little to nothing. The man should aim better and should have delivered much greater to the public. Especially considering the years and time he has had. Alas, that hasn’t been the priority, but everything else has been.

The President cannot bash himself in glory over this. That just shows his fatigue and his lack of concern of the people. He is just going through the motions and hope nobody breaks things down.

Well, what else could we expect? It is not like he has built a grand empire or a legacy worth a damn. No, it is all a game of longevity and surviving in power. It is not about delivery and being the best statesman ever. That ship has sailed and he gave up on that. The Self-Styled President for Life wouldn’t share, but prefer to eat all by himself. Peace.

Bobi Wine’s vehicle tear-gassed in Mbale

The National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential Candidate was scheduled to hold campaign rallies in Mbale today on the 15th November 2020. The Police Force thrown tear-gas cannister inside the vehicle of the candidate. This shows the impunity of the police regarding the opposition. Opposition candidates have been blocked from campaigning across the republic. However, this was the worst example just today.

That the car of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was smoking today. It was a bad Marlboro Ad or a looking like the car was about to catch fire. Alas, that was not the case. This was just the run of mill operation by police officers. Who has no issues with tear-gassing an Presidential Candidate. Just like they have no issues using it as a tool to get people dispersed too. This is what they do…

In the run-up to General Election in 2021 is no different from the past. This sort of thing has happen a few times with Dr. Kizza Besigye too. He was partly blind for a while because of the sprayed liquid on him in April 2011. Also, been happening to him in 2015 and in 2016. They have destroyed his vehicle and violently taken him into custody.

This is police brutality that Uganda Police Force delivers. Per orders from the “high above” this is the tactic of intimidation and humiliation. They are misusing power and doing it deliberately. A sort of Modus Operandi and its like they are proud of it too. Like a badge of honour. I also was able to cause havoc and pain on either citizens or the opposition.

What happened to Bobi Wine shouldn’t have happened. However, we shouldn’t be shocked. This is what they do. Also, if you don’t know. Bobi Wine is the main target this campaign season. After that comes Patrick Oboi Amuriat. After that comes the rest in random order. Peace.

Opinion: Tumwebaze, you don’t want us to look into Sevo

Hon. Frank Tumwebaze stated on social media that we should “….Lets us deeply interrogate electoral promises of every candidate on the basis of logic & reality….” That’s not a joke, but the reality we are living in. A man of the cadres, a man who has been appointed and been a loyal servant of the President is saying this.

Like do the man wants us to undress President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni?

That would be very easy, as the old man with the hat has said everything and nothing. The man has been in the public sphere since late 1970s and been in office since 1986. He was even Vice in the Military Council before the 1980s Elections.

So, since FRONASA, UPM and NRA days there been countless of promises and pledges. The President has promised wealth, security and development in all corners of the Republic. This President has said he would fix everything and ensure greatness. However, that has never appeared. As the state has only delivered patchwork and some sort of achievements, but never to the extent of the promises. This is why the President and the NRM have come with big plans like the 10 Point Programme, but haven’t implemented it. The same with the Uganda National Development Programme I, II and soon the III. Also Vision 2020 and Vision 2040.

Therefore, the President and his pledges are falling short. It seems like these programs and plans are shortlists for hopes that foreign donors and multi-national organizations can foot the bills. So, that the government and President can take the possible glory of achieving it. This is just like the big ceremonies for opening minor roads in urban areas of late, which was funded largely by development program from USAID.

This is why the President and Tumwebaze shouldn’t interrogate other campaigns. When the President and the party have never followed their own pledges. That is throwing stones in a glass house. It is not a good look Frank… really a shoddy and weak tea.

Tumwebaze should know better, as all big promises comes with all publicity and the flair, but the delivery falls flat. Just like the garden hoes of 2015 and the sanitary pads too. We can await the village radios and TVs. The state couldn’t even finish or properly give food to people staying home during lockdown.

The NRM should look into itself and what they have said an done. They always expect the opposition to be better than them. The state and the NRM expects the opposition to deliver and be totally direct. That they are supposed to balance the budget and be fiscal responsible. When the NRM is driving the economy to a halt and lacking funds to pay salaries for the civil servants.

So, please Tumwebaze clear your own shop before dissecting other people’s campaign. Yes, people should look into the opposition and what they pledges. However, Frank knows perfectly well that he wants to dismiss and disregard the opposition.

Frankie Frank, should chill and this only shows the dire need for change in the Republic. When someone wants to do this to others, but never be accountable for own shortcomings. This is a government who has run the Republic for 35 years. Still, promising the same things as it did when it took power. That shows weakness and not greatness.

The NRM and Museveni is a failure. It is just a matter of how much you want to see … or how much you want to forget. Peace.

Opinion: Campaigns will never be fair [in the republic of Museveni]

Don’t be shocked.

Don’t worry…

There will never be free and fair elections. Not as long as Museveni rules.

As long as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is in power. The authorities will have one law for the ruling regime and another for the opposition. That is why the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has one rule and National Resistance Movement (NRM) have another one. The same can be said about National Unity Platform who will have another rule, than what the NRM has. This is just the sad reality and will be like this as long as Museveni rules.

So, if you campaign against the President and his party. Expect no mercy and all things working against them. This is why the opposition will taste the tear-gas and get arrested. It is there where the police officers are using live-bullets and dispersing the crowds. While the NRM can drive through in similar fashion and only see law enforcement smiling as bystanders.

So, please don’t be shocked by this. What is happening in and around the main opposition candidates is all natural. This the election violence that the state is sponsoring on behalf of the President. They are making people and candidates into political prisoners. Because, they dare to challenge and be viable in comparison to the regime itself. If the state didn’t care about their candidacy. They would let them traverse and hold rallies, because the “high above” doesn’t fear them.

The polls will happen in 2021. The NUP and FDC is usual suspects here. This because of their ways of campaigning and challenging the state. Yes, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde is feeling this too, but we all know that his campaign is futile. Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and Patrick Oboi Amuriat will face open oppression and hardships. These will be blocked from venues, radios and road-blocks. That will never happen to Museveni.

Museveni can campaign where-ever. The Presidency can travel across the nation and go into any media house. The NRM party is allowed to do anything. They can sing songs on the streets and use whatever means to campaign. While the opposition have to be careful about what they do.

What is happening now isn’t new. The actions made is following the Modus Operandi of the state. The ones who has seen campaigns and monitored them. Know that this is what happens and what the state does. They are targeting and intimidating the opposition. They are using all means and showing force. Because, the state is not willing to have a level playing-field.

So, when you see headlines and see POA and Bobi Wine into trouble these days. Know that it was bound to happen. These two are under fire. Because they dare to aim at the throne. There will be no other way out of this. This is just the way it is.

NRM got one rule,

the opposition got another one.

The NRM can do whatever they want,

but the opposition have to live by strict rules.

So, as we are going into 2021. This is the rules of the game. The game is rigged and we all should know it. Peace.

The NRM lacks Fiscal Responsibility!

There been so many times the National Resistance Movement (NRM) apologists and defenders have claimed the opposition lacks Monetary Polices. However, contrary to public belief or perception it seems like the NRM is failing on this themselves. It is very simple reason for all of this.

The NRM and the Government of Uganda, which is the legal entity and de facto legitimate state at the moment. Have the power to borrow, loan and get funding for their operations. They can budget and make monetary policies. The government can make it possible to inject and add stimuli to the economy as a whole. That is what is happening all the time, but it is also very important. That if they fail to do it properly. It can have dire consequences.

One key aspect the NRM and its government have failed over time is to show fiscal responsibility or balance its budgets. The NRM regime have been borrowing and been deficit financing. They are in a cycle of loans financing old loans. They are adding debt burdens to build roads, pay salaries and do basics of the state. While nothing having funds to cover the shortfall and the interests. This is why fiscal responsibility is so important.

On EconomicsHelp.org it states that Fiscal responsibility is defined as this:

Fiscal responsibility implies a government pursues the appropriate level of government spending and tax to:

– Maintain sustainable public finances.

– Ensure fiscal policy aids the optimal rate of economic growth.

– Maintain appropriate levels of public investment” (Tejvan Pettinger – ‘Definition of fiscal responsibility’ 13.10.2020).

It is very simple concept. To be fiscal responsible isn’t an revolutionary act. It is initially only spending the money you have and not spend other people’s money. Know what sort of revenue you do have and not expect a sudden miracle of funds appearing out of nowhere to cover a possible shortfall or lack of funds. This is how the NRM has practically operated.

They have needed loans for any sort of project. The NRM have tried to add their tax-base, but at the same time drained the economy. While spoiling itself and adding more and expenses. When they are not generating more natural income. The plus and minuses isn’t adding up. The state is also anticipating more loans, paying more interests and not paying civil servants.

Civil servants, the local government officials, the teachers, nurses and such needs their salaries to sustain a living. That salary pays the overhead, the food on the plate and other expenses. Some of this money will be returned back in taxes and VAT. Therefore, the state will return some of the funds.

This is why the state has really outplayed itself. When its living on borrowed money and donor grants. The state isn’t sufficiently run, when the funds dries up like this. When the state have to issue suspension of paying out salaries and expenses. Except for a handful of cronies, the army and law enforcement. That isn’t a sign of strength, but of weakness. This is basic governing.

The government who governs should be able to plan, secure and add enough revenue to able to pay salaries to its civil servants. If they are not paid? Why should they go to the office? They should be farming instead or work for a public company instead with their experience and skills. It is a waste to be a civil servant, if it doesn’t pays. The mortagage, the plate for supper and the UMEME doesn’t stop asking for money. The bills will continue to come. The landlord can knock on your door and give you an eviction notice.

That is why this is failing the basics. To not balance the budget and be fiscal responsible. It isn’t a magic masterpiece or an unbearable task. To explain what the NRM has done for years. Instead of spending within their means. They have instead been spending like an alcoholic, being buzzed drinking at the bar with no coins in your pocket, but hoping someone else is paying your tab. Peace.

Uganda: A halting economy ahead of the polls

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, which is clearly struggling ahead of the polls in January 2021. The NRM cannot run away from the problems, as they have no overhead and isn’t fiscal responsible.

The NRM have already issued a budget of 39 trillion shillings for the Financial Year of 2020/21. They have also issued Supplementary Budgets, which has added more funds. Still, they have not covered the needed funds to expenditure. This is even as the NRM issued a Supplementary Budget three days ahead of this Budget Year and a First Supplementary Budget recently with big confidential expenditures. Therefore, the state has given itself funds and added expenditure apparently without having room to actually spend those. Because if it did.

This wouldn’t be the case:

The crisis has been unleashed by the permanent secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Keith Muhakanizi who says where things are heading, government is likely to pay salaries of only civil servants in the State House, Electoral Commission, Public Service and the Ministry for Defense. The other departments will be ruled out as non essential and according to Muhakanizi, most of the servants will be laid off till government recovers from the economic pandemic” (Emmanuel Busingye – ‘Exclusive: Only UPDF, police to receive salary as bankruptcy looms, 12.11.2020, Ekyooto Uganda).

This is being fiscally irresponsible. That the Ministry of Finance has to cut of expenditures and spending on state employees in the middle of a pandemic and an election. No matter when really… it is just wrong. It shows that they are not balancing the budgets. They are not showing responsible action towards revenue versus expenses. The state and the NRM is spending money they don’t have and which is squandered. Because, if they we’re using funds properly and had some sense. They wouldn’t be in this in the first place.

The state would not bank on funds coming from a weakening tax-base, expecting donors to bail them out and in addition expect multi-national organizations (monetary organizations) to give grants or loans. This is what the state has expected, also thought and used wrong projections of revenue. That is why they are here. If they had planned within their means and spending within reason.

It wouldn’t be cracking like this. However, the state usually have cracks and is broke after elections. Not in the middle of it. As the state needs funds to campaign and pay off political affiliates. They will give away cars, t-shirts and other things to the general public. Also, ensuring pastors, chiefs and leaders across the Republic campaigns for the President. That all costs and usually makes the campaigns expensive and breaks the bank.

This is irresponsible behaviour of the state. They are misusing their powers and their mandate. As they are anticipating people to work, but for no salary. As the state is not paying it out on time. When people have bills and need their salaries to survive. It is a dire need and the cash grabs of the cronies is eating the funds, which is needed for public servants like teachers etc. These are the ones left behind.

The NRM cannot act like its “Securing Your Future” or delivering “Steady Progress” when it cannot even carry its own expenses at times like these. Peace.

Opinion: The lost ones [who is only putting their names on the ballot]

There are a few lost ones ahead of the Presidential Elections of 2021. Not like the result will be any different. The results will be in favour of the incumbent since 1986. The ones thinking otherwise is either naive or haven’t gotten the memo. There are some who causes a stir and fuzz, but they will not change the outcome.

The National Resistance Movement and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will linger on. Unless, there is a public outrage, uprising and a revolution of the general public. If that doesn’t happen… things will continue like they have done and without stop.

I have faith that Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde will go the whole distance, but the man does know his a lost one. The man knows he got no chance and is only forcing himself through the motions. The man has no aspiring qualities or moral turpitude to gain recognition in the general public. His campaign is bound fail and be a lost chapter even before the possible books on it is written.

Pastor and Activist Joseph Kabuleta can cause friction on the Social Media. The man can write and speak wisely, but gain public interest? No, that’s not happening. Not will his campaign make the government fear or get intimidated. The man is way above his league and the interests will fade. Especially, as the fortune-seeking policies isn’t dangerous to the NRM.

Pastor Fred Mwesigye will not be pushed or get traction. His just there to be a post-boy for something, but Gods knows what. I cannot think of him to get any possible reach, unless he wants to get more members to his congregation.

Businesswoman and former Reality Star Nancy Kalembe will not get anywhere either. She looked stunning on nomination day, but haven’t had funds to campaign. The days ahead will not be easier. There will be questions and you can even wonder. How she could afford to run, but not to campaign. That is just a weird state in itself.

The youngest candidate John Katumba is aspiring to the highest office, but doesn’t have the capacity to launch a proper campaign. He couldn’t even reach his manifesto launch. This sort of erratic behaviour. Nice to run to the Kyambogo to get the Nomination on Nomination Day and the glow of youth. However, he will be a punchline like Elton Joseph Mabarizi.

Mao, Mr. Norbert Mao of the Democratic Party came in as a nomination at the last minute. There was no warning really, except sudden tweets. The DP Party President is running for the second time, but hasn’t really ravished the Republic or tried to campaign with a proper team. Seems more like a mismatch of ideals and words, but no true campaign on his behalf. The 2011 campaign of Mao will look more professional, then the one his doing as a “seasoned” politician. That says a lot. The lost one with one of the oldest parties of the Republic.

Last and least of these is Eng. Willy Mayambala who wants to cut down the days of campaigning, who believes the manifesto will appear in front of the voters minds and will not afford to get everywhere to campaign. Yet, another candidate with lack of resources, but still had the ability to raise funds to be a nominee.

This just shows the characters who are running, in manner where their names on the ballot, but their candidates are shallow. They are not even trying and cannot afford to try. Still, they resolved the issues to be able to run in the first place.

These candidates will not manage anything. They will not cause friction or a stir, unless they are able to violate the minds of the President and his associates on social media. These folks will not make a difference in the scheme of things.

The real candidates which can bring hope in different ways are Mugisha Muntu, Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Robert Kyagulanyi. These three has a vision, a party and a program of change. These are people who are canvassing and trying to spread their message. Not just being on the ballot.

The other names get recognition and get accredited, even discussed in media. However, they will be as pivotal as Abed Bwanika or Maureen Kyala after the polls. Just wait and see… these folks are making some talk, but they will not make any change. It’s not happening now nor tomorrow. These doesn’t have what it takes. These are the lost ones, they might not know it yet, but it will appear in front of their eyes eventually. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni will never run in a fair election [and it’s not happening now either]

Don’t shoot the messenger… this is the brutal reality that everyone has to wake up too. The General Election and Presidential Election in 2021 will not be different than anything else we have seen my lifetime. In the Republic, there has only been one President and that has Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The Presidential Election of 2021 will be no different then the previous ones. There will be same sort of ordeal and arranged results, which will benefit the President and his growing patronage. That is the reality of our time.

To believe that this President who used a bush-war to get power will suddenly drop the mantle and give the nation a peaceful transition is naive. It is mind-boggling and also the aftermath of doing so would worry the old man. After everything said and done, he knows his sins and acts in office. The President knows what sort of behaviour he has used and what sort of regime he has run.

It doesn’t matter who runs against him… the intention isn’t to have a fair election or a level playing field. Neither is the election there to ensure the will of the people. No, the election is to buy “legitimacy” and “international recognition” for another term. So, that the President can gain loans and development grants to spoil himself and his relatives. We know the drill…

That people like Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is gaining momentum and popularity is a sign of hope. However, that is all it is. There been others who has fought this battle before and never become a victor.

There been Dr. Paul Ssemogerere and Dr. Kizza Besigye have fought this one and been popular at rallies, elections and even seemed like successors at the polls. They have used their campaigns and their message to gain massive popularity. Still, that haven’t been enough as it has fizzled out and the revolution is unfinished.

Just like they never finished it.

It doesn’t matter if

Bobi Wine is able to rise to the stars,

If … Patrick Amuriat Oboi is able to travel to the black hole…

Even if Mugisha Muntu can speak in tongues and defy gravity.

Still, none of this men will succeed through the ballot. The ballot is only a game, which Museveni does for a purpose. These men will all fail. Not because there is anything wrong with their campaigns or with their will to get a peaceful transition from Museveni. They will not do it this way.

If the General Election goes through the motions, the normal campaigns and sloganeering across the Republic. There will very little achieved. The Presidential Candidates of the past done the same. The big crowds, the momentum and the sudden rise of an opposition candidate, but Museveni ends on top after waiting a few days after the polls. In days of media and social media blackouts. Opposition arrests and raids, also house-arrests of the key opposition leaders as well. Therefore, this game is ready and set.

Museveni will not play soft, this is his rule and reign. The President will not lose it all and his not gambling it.

This piece is not to downplay Bobi Wine and his allies. No, it is just to say. We have been here before.. I have seen similar before and therefore, unless there is a revolution and a popular uprising. The President and his allies cannot contain. Then there is no reason for him to flee his State House and give up his estates. He owns it all and unless his pressured in a manner, which he cannot control. I doubt he will give it up.

He fought and he has no plans to give it up. There is no plan to do so. If he has continued like this for this long. I doubt he suddenly will have an epiphany and come to his senses. However, there is no will and way for him act democratically and ensure a peaceful transition. That ship has sailed. Therefore, the futile thinking this election will be decided by the polls is totally bonkers.

That is already secured long time ago.

Not like he planned to have a free and fair election, because if he did… he would risk losing and that would never happen. The man cannot lose … that is not in the cards. Peace.

The Museveni Paradox: If a miracle happens, then we might see a peaceful transfer of power

The National Resistance Movement and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni promised a fundamental change. It wasn’t a mere change of guards, but a new government built on other ideals and ethos. Which was supposed to be in vast contrast to previous rulers of the Republic. Alas, the President should start a new era on the 26th January 1986.

However, there has been plenty of water under the bridge since late January 1986. There been so many opportunities to make a difference and changes within the Republic. However, the NRM and the President has squandered that. The President could have become a legend, he could have been seen as a liberator and someone who would always ring in a positive light. Nevertheless, that isn’t the case anymore.

The reasons for his bush-war and for his liberation in the 1980s is the same systemic issues lingering with his reign. The electoral rigging and the hectic gerrymandering. The elite from one tribe and the military leadership, which is most of the ethnic group that the President trust and from the same region. All these issues was reasons for the bush-war and he has done the same.

The same is the elitist eating of the public coffers and misuse of grand corruption. Where a small infringed group can access all perks and allowances. While the general public is only getting scraps. The state is all in the vision of the President and his closest allies. This system isn’t for the grand public, but for the chosen ones.

This is why the lingering problems that caused the bush-war is now in effect. Where there is one law for the ruling regime and another one for the opposition. The NRM is the ones who get can away with murder, while the opposition struggles to gather and hold public meetings. This is the reality within the republic.

When someone has this amassed power and can micro-manage from his State House. When he got lodges, farms and estates across the Republic. It is like we know he cannot live the wealth and the accounts behind. The President has so many schemes and therefore, he just needs to stay in power a while longer. Just to ensure he gets to profit from the office a while longer.

The President and his allies has changed the Constitution several of times just to ensure he can run. Abolishing term limits and the age limit. The state has made laws, which favours him and his fellow comrades. This is all the ideal patronage around the Presidency and it just continues to push it to the world.

This is why the President cannot transfer power. He will loose everything, his family will not have a foothold and the possible investigations into his reign might issue some time and even cost his achievements. The President could possibly be transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and answer for War-Crimes elsewhere like in the Democratic Republic of Congo or in Rwanda for that matter. This President have been connected and implicated in shady deals elsewhere.

So, with the knowledge of all of this. I have a hard time seeing him stepping down in 2021. It is more likely of another rigged election with fierce use of armed forces and media blackout. Where all opposition is behind bars and his inaugurated with fellow dictator buddies. Because, that is what is awaiting 2021. There will be no fanfare of opposition victory. If 2016 wasn’t a sign of that. Then nothing is…

Museveni will not transfer power. Yoweri has no reason or profits himself to do so. He will lose everything and he cannot afford doing that. No matter how he has destroyed his legacy and how he lied to get to power.

He promised liberation and promised to step down before. However, his still here and has no intention of leaving. If he can he will rule until his last breath. It is not a just act of the old man, but that is all he has. Also, if the public doesn’t love him. He doesn’t care as long as the army, security organizations and the police is obeying his command. As long as he have the guns on his side. The President knows you cannot do anything about it.

The “High Above” and the Self-Styled President for Life will linger-on. It would be revolutionary for him to transfer power. However, I doubt it will ever happen. The only way he will transfer power, if his soul has moved on and gone into second life. Because, at this present moment and as long as his breathing. I don’t see any play that suggest him resigning or give way. Unless, there is a military coup that topples him. Nevertheless, that isn’t a peaceful transfer of power, but continuing the long line of successors coming to power by the gun.

So, you see? Museveni will not leave. He will be there forever, unless a miracle happens, which is no where in sight. That is why its called a miracle too. Since there is no prewarning to those sort of events. Until then, there is no one who has a chance to see peaceful transfer of power. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni will start his campaign with war stories

That the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is starting their Presidential Campaigns in Luweero says everything. This is to remember the Bush-War and the legacy it has left behind. Even if for most of the youths. That was isn’t relevant in 2020, but for the President and his allies it is the reason for their rule.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is starting there for a reason. Just like Lt. Gen. David Tinyefuza have explained the reason for the NRA choice of Luweero. They decided it as a base in the 1980s because of the close proximity and it was easily for rebels to be blended into the population. Therefore, the reason for its existence is it strategic position.

It is rich that he wants to be here, as there was by 1985 estimated that over 300,000 civilians died in the Luweero Triangle and most likely the numbers was much worse. That is why the choice of doing it here is very obnoxious. The NRM has done it before and even dropped ads on television and online with the skulls of Luweero.

While the NRA non-combatants of Luweero have never gotten what they were promised. Neither, has the local government gotten the recognition or the needed government services. The former councillors have complained to Radio Sapientia in June 2020. Therefore, the NRM has the audacity to celebrate it now and calling it’s it Mecca. Nevertheless, the NRM haven’t invested in the region or tried to pay back it’s sacrifice for the cause.

We know this is also a sore point of the NRA/NRM as Olara Otunnu asked for Inquiry and Investigation into the killings of civilians in the Luweero Triangle in 2010. Something the NRM dismissed, Gen. Tinye did that at the time as well.

Like Tinye stated in April 2010: I counted 217 bodies of civilians who had been killed by Obote’s forces in Buhimba, Kasunga the and Busiisi in Hoima alone. The NRM didn’t kill its people and anybody making such remarks should stop” (Tinye, April 2010).

We know there was massive battle between both the NRA and the UNLA. It wasn’t a one-sided battle-zone. This is why, by most certainty that the NRA has caused fatalities of civilians during the Bush-War. To think otherwise is naive. That is the way of propaganda. Where only one party is doing evil, while the other is saints. Meanwhile the truth is in the middle. That both are killing in the midsts of war and in the cross-fire, civilian lives are lost.

If we believed differently, then it would be flying unicorns and spider-monkeys flying about to forget about the current reality we are living in.

The Luweero Triangle is significant for the NRM. Nevertheless, they should also take responsibility and not only cherish the sacrifice of the civilians there. As this could never be repaid and the tab is still open. Since, if it wasn’t for making that a base for the NRA. The Presidency and the NRM wouldn’t had the ability to take power in 1986. This is why the NRM should make the place special. Not only have ceremonies and some small tokens to a chosen few.

Even if this battles are less of relevant for the struggling youths and growing up generations of the Republic. The NRM needs to prove it was worth it. Since, the NRA is indebted to Luweero, which they have never cared about. After they took power, which was 34 years ago. It has only been symbolic gestures, but not shown true responsibility to the region.

This is why the choice of picking Luweero Triangle as the Campaign hot-spot and the start of Presidential Campaigns in 2021. Is to not only tell war-stories again. Try to earn more political capital by the loss of lives in 1980s. This is what is happening and the NRM needs to re-issue this. Because, their track-record in power isn’t that great. That is why it has to go back to the roots and continue to linger on the reasons, which isn’t relevant in 2020.

The trouble for the President isn’t to bring back history, but not repeating it. He is using power with force, ensuring he can reign supreme. Even when people are tired of his reign. The NRM is rigging elections like the ones they toppled. Therefore, the same reasons that was viable in 1980s is now relevant for the opposition and not the other way around. As the same sins that made sense for the NRA is now making sense for Bobi Wine’s and others. Which is why NRM is going back to its roots.

To prove for themselves that their liberation was just. Even when it wasn’t and only for a chosen few. So many are left behind and that has been deliberate. The NRM cannot run away from the legacy and the lack of progress after.

President Museveni can bash in glory, but that will only be for himself and the few NRA historicals, which is still in his sphere. However, the general public is under his iron-fist and lucky if they are getting a taste. That is the sad reality and shows the blatant disregard of the public. As the NRM thinks they can sell the same story again ahead of 2021. Peace.