Opinion: The UPC is loosing [and Akena is a failure]

That James Akena, Obote’s son get a second term as the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Presidency is neither shocking nor surpising. He secured the role and title ahead of the General Election in 2016. When there been talk that Museveni paid him 1 billion shillings and dispersed Olara Otunnu from the throne.

There was also a deal made between the UPC and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Akena became the Lira Municipality MP and two other UPC MPs became part of the cabinet. This was UPC President wife, Betty Amongi (Oyam County South) and also Ruth Acheng became Ministers in the 10th Parliament.

Achieng have now switched camps and is running on a NRM ticket in Lira district. She has left UPC. As she got the most out of the political deal between UPC-NRM in 2016.

Now we got to wait what Akena and Amongi plans ahead for the Party. The status quo is cleared. However, the UPC isn’t in a sign of strength. It is not like Akena have the popularity or the reach to be viable for the masses. He got more than enough to get re-elected as MP in Lira Municipality.

Akena might think he has it, as his the next generation of UPC leader. The UPC only had 6 MPs in the 10 Parliament and the UPC blamed Otunnu fraction for this after t he polls. The party and the leadership have to use a lot of time to fight for Uganda House and the Milton Obote Foundation (MOF) nearly through the party out of it after the election in 2016. So, its not like UPC has gone from victory to victory.

In 2011 the UPC had 10 MPs and by 2016 when Akena ran the final campaign the party got 6 MPs. While they are losing main contenders who are going to the NRM like Achieng. There is little traction and the UPC becoming a fringe party.

One of the old horses who sold out. The UPC doesn’t have character under Akena. It is leaflet of a party, nearly a briefcase and that shouldn’t be the case for a historical party like this. The party wasn’t a one man ballad. Neither under Otunnu or anyone else. However, under Jimmy its been all him and they have campaigned with Museveni.

We don’t know what they will do ahead of 2021. Akena shouldn’t run for Presidency, he will get near nothing and be fruitcake compared to ones really standing.

Akena should support one of the opposition candidates to give them more hope. Jimmy got nothing to do in the big-league. Forgive me, but a man signing a deal with NRM in 2016 and letting people run in the cabinet. Isn’t really someone who stand up to them years later. He is already compromised and this time he cannot blame Bbosa or Otunnu for his own failure to run the operation.

Jimmy is a train-wreck and he has done it all on his own. Akena comes from a political family, but that doesn’t mean he is political savvy or has the ability to do things. Just like the daughters and sons of pastors isn’t all made to run churches either. They can sing in the choir, but cannot lead the public to salvation. Neither can Jimmy spark any flame or interests outside his nearest constituents.

Akena can push through this second term. It will be gloomy, but if he continues dealing with NRM. He will still be relevant and keep his career alive. Not because of his work or dedication, but because Museveni has bought an ally. Which cost him nearly nothing and he get the party as a price. One less competition.

Jimmy, you can act like your big, but that doesn’t make you big. It is all an imagination… It’s fiction. Peace.

Opinion: Nsereko MP is right, but there is no need for more MPs

How can a district with [30000] thirty thousand people have six MPs and whereas in Kampala and Wakiso areas counties are populated yet they are not considered in this new move of creating counties, he questions the yardstick used by government to create new counties…” Muhammad Nsereko (30.07.2020 in Parliament).

As there is new cities, 46 counties and new woman representatives coming to the 11th Parliament. The capital is clearly left behind. As there are a lack of representation in consideration to how other districts and counties are carved up. That is easy to see and not quell over.

Nsereko MP is right in his argument, but is this how things needs to be? A republic that has added 208 MPs in Parliament since 2006 and will have 527 MPs in the 11th Parliament from 2021. So, there is managed stretch of representation from various parts of the Republic. Where some are so have plenty more MPs than others.

That Kampala is left behind isn’t shocking, neither would it be in Mukono or in Wakiso too. If you look at population and amount of MPs it is easy math. As there are smaller constituencies and not as populated as some divisions and wards in Kampala. That is all natural, but are a simple reason for it too.

The opposition are usually supreme in Kampala. The opposition have a stronghold here and the President and the Movement would be reluctant to give more power to the opposition in Parliament. They rather carve out districts and counties where they would get more MPs themselves. This is why Kampala also is left behind.

National Resistance Movement are doing this all in areas where they know they can get MPs and more representation. They are not willing to do this. If you remember back in 2016, in the general election. The Electoral Commission and polls was later in the capital, even postponed a day, as the voting material was not delivered in time to the polling stations. So, its not like the state is doing the capital any favours.

We can anticipate the similar fashion in 2021. Sure, if the capital had similar representation as some smaller constituencies. It would have like 20 or 25 MPs or even more. As it has 9 in total today and Nakawa carved in two, making it an even 10 MPs from Kampala. With 15 more MPs, the Parliament would be at the extra-ordinary number of 542 MPs. This shows why this is a foolish game and just toying with expenditure of the state. Where they are just adding additional expenses without any added revenue. The amount of additions to the next Parliament is ridiculous.

Like I stated and I understand the argument of Nsereko MP. His right in his statement and there is no redemption there towards the ones who carved out the other counties to add MPs. However, the state doesn’t need another 15 MPs from Kampala either. No one wins on that. Yes, you create more seats and some people get a bigger voice in Parliament. However, the Parliament is already overstretched and this will just be an added burden.

I don’t see anything positive with the additions already made and clearly will see that with adding MPs from Kampala too. There is a need for restructuring, but not carving out more and making constituencies smaller everywhere. This is also true in regard to Kampala. The whole system needs new tools and this way is only ceasing to make sense and creating make-belief counties to get “men of honour” elected to Parliament. Peace.

Opinion: 527 MPs in the 11th Parliament [means an additional 208 MPs since 2006]

There been a rise in the amounts of MPs in the Republic. A such spiralling rise, that its epic. It is such a booming industry. That you would think the National Resistance Movement (NRM) had found the one way to get rich scheme. Ensure that everyone who wants to become MPs can be and ensure that the incumbents can win by making new counties to every single election.

First in the early years of this regime, there 38 NRA/NRM historicals members who ran the National Resistance Council. That was done between 1986 to 1996 and is called the 5th Parliament. By the time of the 8th Parliament (2006-2011) there was 319 MPs. In the 9th Parliament (2011-2016) there was 375 MPs.

In the 10th Parliament, the current day, its 459 MPs (2016-2021).

While the new legislation today with the new 46 counties, new cities and districts, plus the 5 elders MPs the amount of MPs in the 11th Parliament (2021-2026) the amount of MPs is up to 527.

So within the years of 2011 to 2021 the skyrocketing business of expansion in the Parliament went from 375 to 527. That is 152 new MPs since 2011.

If you look between the 2006 to 2021, the numbers goes even more insane. The Parliament went from 319 to 527, which means there was an addition of 208 MPs.

This means from 2006 until 2021 the Republic has made constituencies for 208 MPs, some special reserved seat and some Woman Representatives. However, the amount of adding this much people to be representatives in the August House must be redundant. Just like no government needs the amount of cabinet or Presidential Advisors. Which are all made in favours of the President.

Imagine, the Republic have created 208 seats in 15 years. It is a reason why they have to restructure and rebuild the Parliament. There is no office space, no halls to hold plenary sessions and so fourth. There are too many who has to show up and the building wasn’t built for that amount MPs.

This here is gerrymandering and carving out counties to secure weak MPs and ensure safe passage into Parliament. To also secure more friendly MPs of the regime. Have more cronies paid and lackeys covered in Parliament.

Your ensuring a costly parliament, MPs who is paid and covered with allocated funds, allowances and cars. Sitting fees and everything else. These people are paid millions upon shillings, while people living in a gig economy.

To create these much counties and MPs is only securing loyalty from the top. This is not to better the Republic. Only creating more expenses without adding any revenue. Peace.

Magyezi MP up the ante: In two weeks gone from 27 to 46 new counties!

On the 22nd July 2020 there was a proposed 27 new counties. By the time of 27th July it had escalated into 31 new counties. Today, the third edition came into fruition and its now up to 46 new counties. This is just a trick to get more Members of Parliament and not more service delivery.

We can all act a fool. Act dumbfounded and stupid, but we all know the game that is played. As the Cabinet proposed one bit, another by a private motion and today Raphael Magyezi, the Minister have added to the list. Just like gift that keeps giving.

They are just creating these counties out of thin-air. Just as they are making new districts out of old counties and creating counties out of old sub-counties. At some point, every village will have an MP and a Woman Representative.

This is an old trick to also ensure there is no electoral history or known numbers to calculate. As the Electoral Commission and the regime can mix the stats. They can ensure a safe-guard for their local allies. So, that their men and representative wins.

If you ever wondered what mushrooming government is? This is it. The epitome, the definition and high rewarding gerrymandering. When the state just re-issues new counties, wherever it deems fit and without any forewarning.

That is why this is a political game, a way of getting men of honour into Parliament. Not to deliver anything, but continuing the steady programming and ensuring the State House has all the ducks in the row.

This is just an insane blooming of the state. When the state doesn’t have the resources nor the domestic revenue to pay of the current MPs. They don’t have the money for the districts and counties. Just like state doesn’t have the funds for Municipalities and Cities. Therefore, the actions made now is just for elections. They no plans for these counties. None at all, except getting a few more MPs into Parliament.

So, we have seen within weeks go from 27 to 31 and now suddenly into 46. That is why this an electoral game. This is not for the betterment of the Republic. This is a selfish act for the ones in power to ensure they have the most representatives and reigns supreme indefinitely. Peace.

Opinion: Everything is rigged against the opposition [doesn’t matter if it’s “Scientific” or not]

The opposition in the Republic will not win at this point in time. It isn’t because of their lack of swagger and viable candidates. This is simply, because of the status quo and the whole state machinery is working against them. There is no chance that the President and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) will give way. That’s not happening anytime soon.

The Forum for Democratic Change and National Unity Platform (People Power) parties are the most high regarded opposition. The FDC has the history, while NUP and People Power are the new renegades. This is the Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine coming to full force as challengers to Museveni. They will gain attention and get popular. However, in the grand scheme things this will not matter. These two might win the election, might even be hugely admired by the population. However, the machinery will not let Museveni loose.

That is why the rigging will close the doors for the opposition. It is reason why I don’t mention Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Mugisha Muntu and Democratic Party Norbert Mao. Neither is Uganda People’s Congress, James Akena or Justice Forum Asuman Basalirwa. Or whoever is running the Uganda Federal Alliance, Farmers Party or People’s Progressive Party. These lastly mentioned have enough to get an MP elected into Parliament. Not even thinking of challenging the throne.

Muntu and Mao might want to be in the big-league, but we both know they don’t have it. Neither does Akena, he is cahoots with the regime with a deal. So, when your dealing directly with NRM. You cannot anticipate the brother will do anything about it.

This is why in reality it is a battle for the FDC and NUP. These two are the parties that has to challenge and show force towards the NRM. Not, that through the ballots will make a difference at this point. The Electoral Commission, the NRM is busy scheming and preparing the results. We know who will win and that is all in the cards. To think otherwise is either naive or foolish.

The NRM will conquer, they will use all means. There is a “scientific” elections going on. That is used on the opposition, which is stopped from campaigning. While the NRM candidates are doing so, either in secret or by using government programs as a shield to allow them to meet people. That they will use the state as tool to not only campaign, but also rig the elections. This is why the opposition has no chance.

NUP and FDC knows this. They will show flex, but will they dwell on the inevitable. The ones whose moderate and pragmatic, will only benefit a small group. While the big-men of the opposition got to stand up in the midst of oppression and hardships. Knowingly they will loose, but it is a matter of how much they willing to loose in the end. Not because of lack of popularity or having backing in the public.

However, because the NRM and the state uses all means. Every single piece of intimidation and scaring tactics. Also, the use of arbitrary arrests and other means to stop the public from gatherings and organizing. Except, if you have suction or a anointed by the Movement. Then you can set-up tents, set up rallies and meetings in churches. However, the opposition is not allowed to do the same. This is another proof of the whole charade, which is going on into the polls in 2021.

If your thinking this going to be free and fair. Forget about. The state is embedded. The Police is more into politics, than actually catching thieves.

This is all just a game and we all know who is going to win. Not because the public loves him, neither that its justified. However, that is how this is played out. We can act like its not, but then I would be disingenuous. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t be fooled and just play along, but call out the nonsense as it is. Peace.

Museveni: How many times can you sell the same dream?

These things appear to be happening quick. Todays launch of his candidacy as President and Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). It is just all protocol and more of the same. It is neither funny nor insightful. Just another day in the Republic.

That Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is a Presidential Candidate was written in stone. It was in the hieroglyphics and in the ancient scrolls long before we were born. This is a way of life and how it treats us.

The removal of both term limits and age limits has all been in favour of one man. The man who proudly put these mechanisms in the new Constitution but deleted it when it didn’t fit him anymore. He didn’t change the law for the betterment of the Republic, but for his own selfish gain.

We can act like today is special, that the announcement is shocking. Breaking news. Read all about it. Well, we knew this was happening. Only the blindfolded, the ones with naïve thought someone else would pass the throne. That would be a miracle and a sensation. This would have sparked amusing tones and wonders. Because, it would not concur with the legends of ancient times.

This has been the case since the takeover of Kampala, 26th January 1986. Since then it has been all Museveni. He has ruled supreme. Been the Don and the Kingpin. The man in-charge and the only man with a vision. The one who is only fit to rule, and the rest must beg for mercy. That is what it is.

That’s why today isn’t special. His been selling the same story since that day. The day of fundamental change, the correct line and all of that. It has been his mustard seed of hope, which has turned into despair. We can act like everything is cool, but the man who will drop a manifesto for his 8th Term. Will most likely promise similar things of the past. The same sort of promises and possibly new lingo, but still the same tools from the shed.

It is a revised 10-point programme. The same sort of pledges and promises of a dream never succeeded. Because, he never intended to put the work in or deliver any of those. Just by mere luck that donors paid the duties and costs for a while. To keep the charade going.

Now, we are in 2020. In a time where his preparing for 2021. Alas his legacy is distorted, as people are arrested for poems, Facebook posts and jokes. There is no bottom, only an endless pit of suffering for the ones who oppose this man. Sooner or later the law catches up with you and give you a phony charge. A charge that you will keep and will haunt you.

So, will you believe in the man that has given out promises all his career and all his life? Only to determine or not even prioritize them. A man who has decided his own reign counters all other obligations of the state. Everyone must be jolly that he rules, and that his words are divine.

Today, was all ready prepared. Everything was aligned with it, the stars, the moons and the nsenene. Everyone was ready for this. It was inevitable. This wasn’t a journey; it was a road already taken. We have been here before and we just repeating the same thing over, and over again. Peace.

Last Words of Mwenda: A Misguided and Misfortunate attempt to defend Museveni

Well, we are at it again. There isn’t election season in the Republic without the “insightful” and “degrading” articles or pieces from Andrew Mwenda. Today on Facebook he dropped another piece called ‘How Museveni and his opponents need each other’.

In steady fashion he will demean and desecrate the opposition. He will mock and take them for fools. Also, try to show reasons for the continuation of status quo. The man cannot stop himself. He wrote steady pieces dismissing Besigye ahead of 2016. Andrew is back on the hate train again, this time with additional flavour of Bobi Wine in the mix.

This is what he does now. In a short amount of time, this is his second edition in his bitter battle with opposition, which is his nemesis who haunts him at night. That is why he writes texts like this.

Anyone looking at opposition politics in Uganda would easily see why they do not represent a democratic alternative to the current government. Their ranks are filled with extremely angry and intolerant activists who, if they could command the power of the state, can only establish a totalitarian dictatorship albeit an incompetent one. Consequently, while Museveni’s NRM accommodates in its ranks many individuals critical of it, the opposition purges from its ranks anyone who holds even the most mild disagreement with their [always] radical extremist views“ (Mwenda, 27.07.2020).

When a man writes like this. He has dismissed people before giving them a chance. Who would have known, if Mwenda even could write and become the pseudo-intellectual back-in-the-day. The same way he dismiss the opposition. If people had done that to him. He would possibly only write manuscripts for schaiving radio-shows .

On a separate note, the opposition is angry and tired of a 34 years stalemate. Where one guy has ruled supreme. Tormented them and oppressed them. Made it nearly impossible for them to operate, arrested them and given them phony political charges. With that in mind, he expects them to not displeased with the current regime? They are just supposed to be all smiles and giddy? Everyone haven’t the same redemption after arrests and being ignant ever since.

He continues: “Thus, the mainstream opposition of Defiance led by Dr. Kizza Besigye and its bastard child, People Power, led by Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi (aka Bobi Wine) demand from their supporters absolute loyalty to the cause and ideological purity. This heavy demand for conformity among followers has led to mass desertions as people find life inside these cults suffocating. There is no evidence in history of such radical extremist cults promoting democracy once they capture power. Instead, all historic evidence shows that given time and certain economic, social, cultural and intellectual circumstances, hybrid systems of the Museveni/NRM type do sometimes (and often) slowly evolve into democracies” (Mwenda, 27.07.2020).

It is so funny him calling FDC and People Power cults, while professing only to Museveni to the end. Like not clinging on to one who has stayed in power for 34 years. That is fine and dandy, he also professes to the supposed transition of a party, which have had total power into a democratic machinery for change. If you believe that, then there is soon a Dumbo drop over Kampala.

He continues also to dismiss the FDC and PPM. In a manner, which he has done constantly. Which is ironic, the way he call them cults. While not seeing how his deep admiration and trust in the current leadership is of similar fashion.

He further saying: “This is not to stay there is no democratic alternative in Uganda’s opposition groups to Museveni and his NRM. Rather, the democratic impulse and social and economic infrastructure for it in the country is very weak, and needs to be cultivated. Hence democratic minded individuals and organizations such as the Alliance for National Transformation led by the noble Mugisha Muntu, the Democratic Party led by Nobert Mao and I think the Uganda People’s Congress led by Jimmy Akena have little political traction. These men and the organizations they lead preach compromise, accommodation and moderation, the qualities that sustain a stable liberal democracy. They seek to defeat but not to destroy opponents. They believe power must be pursued through legal means, and they abhor lies, fraud, violence and blackmail. On the other hand, radical cults (Defiance and People Power) see compromise as “selling out”, moderation as a weakness and accommodation as dilution. The fact that the moderate groups attract little enthusiasm from the masses of opposition supporters and activists and their intellectual justifiers only shows how weak the democratic impulse in our country is. And the fact that radical extremist cults attract mass support from the opponents of Museveni only demonstrates how strong the forces of intolerance, violence and fraud dominate our politics. Thus many Ugandans tired of Museveni’s long rule cannot find a home in the mainstream opposition and find it futile to join the moderate parties because they have little support” (Mwenda, 27.07.2020).

We know from the past that Mwenda has high regard for Muntu. This is shown again in manner to disregard FDC and People Power. That was inevitable from him. What is striking to is that he says there are no alternative. Which is only showing his dismissal of several people in opposition. Except for Akena, Mao and Muntu. Who he deems fit, but knows they are not popular.

It is weird that a man that professes democratic transitions is just throwing several of political leaders under the bus. While he really thinks people are so stupid to eat this satire of defence. He defends the guys that stands for the constitution and laws, but the ones defying them is the problem. That is really unique, when he knows how the state operates and uses force towards the ones who stands in their way.

That he continues his rants about cults, without seeing his love-story with his own boss and kingpin, Museveni. Who nobody can beat or become alike. They never enough equipped or have the abilities needed to lead. That is just so fitting to everything. He says the FDC and PPM is intolerant, but the likes of Mwenda isn’t that welcoming or generous to make way. It is like he doesn’t understand the grievances and reasoning behind their will and defiance. However, at this point, that is water under the bridge and ironically another lost cause.

Last part of his piece that I will mention: “This is the dilemma of democratic progress in Uganda. The inability of moderate parties and politics to attract mass support and enthusiasm has led many liberal minded Ugandans to stay away from politics. This has left the political space to a tussle between Museveni and these radical extremist cults. This state of affairs is advantageous to Museveni: keeps many Ugandans away from the ballot box, therefore ensuring low voter turnout; which works in the president’s favor. And when he violently cracks down on these radical extremist cults, many people see it as justified” (Mwenda, 27.07.2020).

Well, if he thinks this is viable. He thinks that the moderates would ever have the success at this point. When your either behind bars for your stance or your paid loyalist. In that context, he thinks the people will back the ones who wants to dialogue with the President. A President that doesn’t listen to the pain and suffering, but hoping his force can undermine and silence people.

A man like Mwenda should know this, but he glosses over that part so easily. He expect the soft spoken individuals will gain traction in a Republic, where comedians are detained for a joke. That is seriously stupid, but still the argument of a government apologist. This just shows how little sense he can have when defending the indefensible at this point.

A crackhead needs his crack. It is evident, that Mwenda needs his Museveni and will shoot kisses to Entebbe and Nakasero Hill, even send the angel of love to shoot bows to Rwakitura farm. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine better prepare that umbrella [its going to rain]

It is soon campaign season, flag-bearers are being picked and the final pledges are being minted. The manifestos being prepared, the delegation conferences and primary elections are happening. Every little move to prepare the General Elections in 2021.

As fun as yesterday was with the launch of National Unity Platform (N.U.P) as the political party of the People Power Alliance and with the People Power Movement as the Pressure Group. Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine still have a long walk ahead.

It will not be easy. There is a storm brewing and it will rain. When it rains, it pours. It’s not going to be peaceful. However, I think the man knows this. His carrying a umbrella to whether the storm. Nevertheless, the man needs more than that. It will help, but not help when the wind gets strong and the rain-drops still hits his face.

There will be humiliation. He will suffer again. To go into an election like he does. Where all the odds are stacked against him. Will cost, just like it has done to other opposition candidates who has challenged the crown. Now, the biggest challenger is Bobi Wine. Therefore, the brute force will be turned against him.

That is why radio hosts who has him will meet the makers of this world. They will have trouble with Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) and possibly detained by the Police Force. Even in a “scientific” election, the same old issues will be used and methods are the same. Just another name and another reason. Still, the high above wants to contain the man.

The President will make rain, will create a storm and will cause damage to Bobi Wine. Expect ISO and SFC to follow him. CMI being after him and the LDUs too. RDCs blocking him entering a district and all possible charges between here and hell. That is what is ahead. Even months of house-arrest, if the Police Force gets their Besigye groove on. Playing “another rap” and singing tunes of other elections.

The rain will not stop now. The challenger will meet the brute force. It doesn’t matter what he does. At one point or another, he will be captured, charged and detained. It doesn’t matter if his innocent or haven’t a single crime. They got the state power and put some phony charges will buy the regime time. Just like it has always done. Not like riots, demonstrations or anything will go into anarchy or a total revolt. It will be a hot minute and die down.

That’s why the umbrella will shield Bobi Wine, but that is only for the soft rain. When the tropical storm hits or anything similar. He will be wet and drained. The state will secure that he freezes and doesn’t have ability to cover himself. He will suffer and will be in danger.

It is a dangerous mission. There is no soft ways for him. The associates and team around him can help, but they all are in the firing line. They all needs their umbrellas, as it will rain on them too. The rain doesn’t discriminate, it rains on everyone. They will meet the rain-drops and got to cover themselves.

Bobi Wine … good you have a tool now and not just an idea. However, you need a lot more, if you want to succeed. Especially, against as conning people as the ones you conspire to bring down. These people have no scruples and will use any means to stay on top.

They will sing the rain-dance, indefinetly to ensure you always have to use the umbrella, instead of being focused on the cause and mission ahead. Peace.

Opinion: You can’t 1986 everything…

I don’t know if the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its self-styled President for life Yoweri Kaguta Museveni thinks its a wise move to always point at the state of affairs in 1986.

How many pupils who went to school in the 1980s? How many cars on the roads in 1980s? How many bureaucrats who was paid in the 1980s?

Is that viable as a argument for how things are today?

If so, why in a Republic filled with youth under 30s years old. In a republic run by an administration living a bubble of the year of salvation in 1986. Where all results are in comparison to the incept of power. The day of the Coup d’etat in 1986 and everything circles back to this. Using the liberation and taking control of the Republic.

It is really unique that 34 years in power, you have to look at the starting point to show your greatness. All the pendulums points back to 1986. Which is such a magical year when everything started.

The NRM continues to spawn out how much more roads they have built since 1986. It is how you prove your governance. The amount of gravel you have carried and put on the ground. Not like there is other ways to prove it. For instance, if the roads adds value and the costs of keeping them operational or built to the needs. That is an issue that is never released, neither is the loans for building the roads and how much of it was paid by grants.

The NRM and the President can drop comparison numbers. However, they will do that every day with some glossy pictures of infrastructure and propaganda postures. That’s what they do. If it is Uganda Media Centre, Government Citizen Interaction Centre, NRM SOMA and the State House. This is what they do. Making mediocre results looking brilliant.

They will pin point back to 1986 as the proof of the amount of work they have put in. Not like they are just showing what they did in the 10th Parliament. No, they will go back to Obote and Okello. They need to bring back Idi Amin Dada and the whole brigade of dead people to show the living their greatness.

This is why they should find new ways of proving their achievements. Because, how relevant can it to go back close to 4 decades to prove your worth? How great are you, when you look two generations back?

Also, the reality is that most of the people living in the republic is born since 1986. They are the youth of the generation who did the bush-war. These are not familiar with that time and therefore, wouldn’t be touched by this. They are only seeing what they are living in now and hopes for a promising future. Not repeating the past, but instead building for the future.

Going back to 1986 is just a grave the NRM doesn’t need to dig. If they do, then they are putting up tombstones and praising weak results. If the NRM was sincere they would prove their abilities and use of time. Instead, they are going historical and bringing back nostalgia.

A nostalgia that isn’t for the times of today. Unless, Mzee plans to drop a few history lessons and mesmerising the past. Peace.

A look into Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform Launch Statement

Today, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine launched his political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), which will be an umbrella to the People Power Movement. The Political Party of the Pressure Group. That is why his statement is important for his next move ahead of the General Election in 2021.

Well, just like do others, I will do to Bobi Wine. I will look into what he says and drop my thoughts after it. It will be the most important pieces of the statement. Here will not be the whole statement, but some snippets of it and then discussing it. Because, that is the play of looking into it.

He started with this: “When we started the People Power Movement about three years ago, we had lengthy discussions about whether or not to register a political party. Our analysis led us to the conclusion that it was both untimely and impractical to form a political party. In any case, we were alive to the fact that the regime would foil any attempt to register People Power as a political party” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

I am sure the team and associates around Bobi Wine has discussed what to do and how to go forward. They had to find a way to be a legal entity and not just an idea. The Pressure Group would work for independents, but could be put into question over time. Also, the idea that the authorities wouldn’t accept People Power as a Party is most likely true. It would be shocking if they would nod to it and give it go. That would have been a healthy, but anticipating something else is naive.

As he continues: “As you all know, our message has been Mission 2021. Right from 2018, we have been telling all of you to ready yourselves for the 2021 election, because we believe that together, we can and must use that election to overwhelm and remove the dictatorship” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

It’s right for him to have this ideal and hope that he can conquer the NRM and the President with an election. However, that has been impossible since 1996. I have hard time believing anyone would unsettle and send Museveni packing over the polls in 2021. There is a need of a revolution and of defiance/civil disobedience at levels that has been unheard of. If the PPM and NUP uses that, then they can have hope for change in 2021. If they act like all the others before them. Then they will be beaten down and it will amount to nothing.

He continues: “And so, a few months back, when we predicted that we would find ourselves in this situation, we embarked on finding a solution. We set out to silently identify a Platform which we would use to answer this question. Although many political parties and organisations had reached out to us, our first and most important criteria was to look out for a formation which shares our values, aims and objectives. And there are many which do, but there was a political organisation whose message and objectives rhymed well with those very close to us. In order to make the message even stronger, in July 2019, we went ahead and successfully changed the name of this political organisation from National Unity, Reconciliation and Development Party to the National Unity Platform” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

I have a feeling that since its inception and seeing how hard he had to battle the authorities in his Kyadondo East By-Election. He knew this would be hard. So, I am sure the situation was that from get-go in a way. However, it sounds better just thinking a few months back. Not thinking from the start and knowing what happen early in the journey as a political active person.

I know the whole Republic is grateful that it landed on NUP and not NURDP. The last one sounds like a bad government program with foreign funding. So, they have had this in the making for a while. By this statement they have worked on this since last July and reveals the new party a year later.

He continues: “Therefore, today I stand here to announce to the nation that we are unveiling the National Unity Platform as the political wing of the People Power Movement. The National Unity Platform is a political organisation duly registered with the Electoral Commission and our symbol is an umbrella” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

I still find it funny that his calling it the political wing. It is the political party and the other is the pressure group. Both have their political agenda and foundation. They are registered different, but has the same goals. Just like other CSOs can campaign for a political party, even Unions can support a party and a candidate, but that is political, but they are not a party. The same is the difference between the PPM and NUP. The umbrella is just a fine feature, as so many other parties have already picked their symbol. The NUP had to pick something. Umbrella is fine, it stops the sunlight, rain and tear-gas. It is a nice thing to have and is a useful thing.

He continues: “Finally, I know there are those who may ask themselves where this leaves comrades and fellow leaders who belong to other registered political organisations. Friends, we are People Power. In the coming days, we shall embark on the process of formalising the People Power Alliance. The People Power Alliance shall be comprised of different political formations which we have been working with and those that will be willing to join us. Formal engagements with many of these brothers and sisters have already been ongoing and they will continue” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

Here is another swift change of events. Not only launching the NUP, but the People Power Alliance. I don’t know if that is consideration of the United Forces for Change (UFC) with People’s Government (FDC based) or the other party members associated with the People Power Movement. The PPM is already established and has its significant place. As a home from all parties and people who want change. To make it into an alliance. Is just, if I may, making the umbrella bigger with PPM, NUP and PPA. It is consortium of organization under the same banner, but you need soon a own lingo dictionary to be sure how to address it correctly.

The NUP and PPM would have been sufficient, unless he wants some more mechanisms to keep everything in order. However, with the addition, he might scare away some who is not into the cause and only used it for a political bargain along the line to elections.

The final quote: “In our case, we have consistently said that we are a non-violent movement and we have no plans of establishing a military wing. What we are doing today is to launch a political wing of our Movement so as to ensure that our mission to use the election as a strategy within the liberation struggle succeeds” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

We are seeing that the PPM and NUP are not planning to pick up guns and try a coup d’etat. Which is a healthy stance, not repeating the sins of old and trying it on a new generation of people. Using the same means the dictatorship came in and hoping not end up as the new one.

His hampering on the political wing, which for me seems weird. That is his prerogative. Because, at what point does the PPM loose value, since its only NUP whose political? When all policies, all people attracted to the PPM and not to the NUP. Many might turn into NUP as their haven and destined party. However, the PPM is the shuttle, the place where everything started and the Movement who gave way to NUP.

I still don’t see how the NUP and PPM will use this up-coming election to overcome the junta. The current day regime, by using the same tools its predecessors have done. The only thing different is its Bobi Wine and his cadres. It is fine and dandy, the flex and the ability to gain popularity. However, it is not like Besigye didn’t get popular too and was driving on a coach through Kampala before the last election.

So, I have hope for Bobi Wine, the whole People Power, but through an election. I doubt for change, for positive difference and actual getting rid of the ones besieging the state. No, they will not be beaten over the ballot. It needs something more powerful, something got to give and by playing the same rules as previous opposition. You will just turn into the same ills of the past.

Bobi Wine deserves better, everyone following him, deserves better, alas the state and the NRM is unforgiving. There will be costs, harm and pain. I don’t see anything else ahead. He needs proper tools, support and a machinery that has to blast the NRM to smithereens and I don’t see that yet. Peace.