Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) – Najanankumbi: Deputy President Moses Byamugisha – Press Statement (11.04.2024)

Opinion: Amuriat will never be as relevant as Besigye

We are going to take legal actions against this group not because they are running around the country, that’s the right but because they are misusing or abusing the instruments that portray the FDC, they are misusing our flag, our colour, they are abusing our motto, our slogans and going around the country masquerading as the FDC! They are not FDC, in fact, in doing what they are doing they are also violating the FDC’s constitution” – Patrick Oboi Amuriat (08.04.2024).

Just as the Katonga Fraction is mobilizing and holding consultation meetings across the nation. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) – Najjanakumbi fraction is feeling the pinch. As Dr. Kizza Besigye and his allies are showing their popularity. After years of traversing the nation and campaigning. Besigye have a heart and supporters, which will not blindly follow the FDC Headquarters.

This is hurting the pride of Patrick Oboi Amuriat who has already dismissed and disassociated the Katonga fraction from the party. The FDC as we knew it has already settled the score and burned the bridges with Besigye. That’s been done out of petty grievances and lack of accountability on the behalf of the current leadership at Najjanakumbi. This is why Katonga – the Liberation Fraction is hurting and causing envy towards Amuriat or Mafabi for that matter.

Yes, the party colour has been flagged and the logos at time, but the reality is that Besigye is one of the founders of the party. Other leaders beside him is so too. They are people who built the party and was a vital part of it. Therefore, Amuriat is thinking they will leave it behind so suddenly. That’s why Moses Byamugisha even defends the nationwide mobilization and the works of Besigye over the weekend. Because he is smart enough to acknowledge the importance of Besigye. Something Amuriat and his pride never are able too.

Besigye is either on the way of making a pressure group or a new party. He is on the way of Muntu now. Building his own entity and organization. That will be another sibling to the FDC. That will be like the ones who left FDC when Muntu announced the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). The Third Force and the new beginning for Muntu.

Now the same is awaiting Besigye and it will be even bigger. As Besigye is a bigger character and larger than life. He is the living legend and the freedom fighter of old. A man who has fought for decades and wanted to end the reign of Museveni. A battle that continues to this day and never ceases to end. His mission and voice matters, which hurts Amuriat.

Amuriat never was able to overshadow or able to become as vital as Besigye. Amuriat and Mafabi doesn’t have the character or the spine to do what Besigye does. That’s why they rather sell the party and be a useful puppet. This is how things are looking and Amuriat isn’t amusing. The FDC as we know it is dead and took part of the fatal actions to end it. Therefore, Besigye have to re-start and re-launch his activism.

Besigye will be relevant and continue to be thorn in the eye of the regime. That’s because his relentless… and never gives way to his principles. However, Amuarit is easily swayed and lost his way. That’s why he has to revenge and avenge over the self created character assassination, which he has performed on himself over the last year. That’s why Amuriat should focus on regaining some sort of normalcy… but that seems like a fever dream.

Besigye shouldn’t fear the FDC. The FDC now is a shell of what it used to be. That is the nationwide tour proving and Besigye allies should prepare their own party. They should work on their own and leave the old behind, as the old is betraying what it stood for. Peace.

Opinion: Never annoy Museveni…

At least eight artists belonging to Ugandan group Crane Performers were on Saturday arrested for allegedly insulting President Yoweri Museveni while he was delivering a speech at a hotel in Kampala, where celebrations of Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi’s wedding anniversary were taking place. The eight performers who were attending the same event with Museveni are said to have been heard saying the Ugandan president was speaking too much and that he should end his speech. According to the Monitor, the eight had their microphones on when they made the utterances that were picked in the hotel’s sound system and heard by majority of those attending the event. The artists will be charged with insulting the person of the president“(Edward Chweya – ‘Eight Artists Arrested For Insulting Museveni At A Wedding Anniversary’ 08.04.2024, Citizen Digital).

The Freedom Fighter and liberator of the 1980s are known for using the Penal Code Act of 1950 in his favour. The colonial law which has several of articles, that has been substantial in his iron grip of the state.

People are laughing at the arrest of 8 musicians today and it shows how foolish his government is, but we have seen this before. Artists, activists and politicians have tasted the bitter fruits of the Penal Code Act. The Crane Performs follows several others who has been here.

You should never offend the “don” or the Leopards Anus. He is Untouchable, the Fountain of Honour and His Excellency can ensure the demise of others, if he feels annoyed or ridiculed. That what happened at the Wedding Anniversary this month.

Here is the Penal Code that matters…

24. Penalty for acts intended to alarm, annoy or ridicule the President

Any person who, with intent to alarm or annoy or ridicule the President—

(a)

wilfully throws any matter or substance at or upon the person of the President;

(b)

wilfully strikes the person of the President; or

(c)

assaults or wrongfully restrains the person of the President,

commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for life” (Penal Code Act, 1950).

If the President and his party believed in the utterance of the public. He could have amended this part of the Penal Code. The Penal Code has been amended several of times and this article could have been taken of the earth. It could have become a relic of history. However, it is still active in the year of 2024 and people will be charged because of it.

It takes nothing to offend the President. President Museveni is easily annoyed and offended, which is a reason for several of people detained, charged and taken into custody over their utterances in public. The musicians now are the latest ones… and there will be more than these. As this law is active and will be used whenever the President deem fit. He will order it and ensure the demise of others. They will learn a lesson and that the President is the “high above”. Peace.

Opinion: Besigye never left…

Please stop looking at 2026 but rather ensure that this government is removed. Do you know people who die everyday because of the situation in the country and we wait for 2026?, I want us to look at tomorrow because it is possible” – Dr. Kizza Besigye (04.04.2024).

This isn’t a comeback, but a new wave…

Dr. Kizza Besigye has been underestimated, ridiculed and been said to be a relic of history. His Katonga Road branch has been dismissed by the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). This is why his on a nationwide consultation meeting drive. His passing by town after town and holding meetings to hear what they vision for him to do. The FDC Katonga Fraction is surely becoming its own identity and independent from FDC Najjanakumbi.

Now Besigye and his team has traversed to Jinja, Mbarara, Kabale and Rukungiri. He is going across the Republic to gain support and hear the views of leaders of the organization. This is also campaigning for a future entity, which will come sooner or later.

Dr. Kizza Besigye is asked to form a new party. That has been called for since the fallout with Najjanakumbi. That is needed and there are several of MPs who will follow him. The FDC Katonga fraction will be strong and be relevant.

That is proven by the attendance in the cities, the blockage of roads and frustration from the authorities. It is like they trying to prove a point and later allowing the meetings to be held. However, it is a sign that Besigye resurgence aren’t welcomed by the regime. This isn’t shocking, but we can see it coming.

Now one should doubt the heart or the drive of Besigye. In the 2021 General Elections he was in the shadow, but there was others within FDC who became the Presidential Candidate and Besigye was a part of the United Forces for Change (UFC) with the National Unity Platform (NUP). That he was participating in stark contrast to the leadership of Najjanakumbi. Therefore, it is only healthy to see the campaigning now.

Besigye is showing his popularity haven’t died down. Neither is his political capital is gone. That’s why people show up and celebrates his entry into any town. The Police Force is coming and being directly interfering in the public drive around him. The authorities are seeing that Besigye still matters and it is obvious.

The message of Besigye will continue to be important. As he continues to fight the struggle and for the liberation of the nation. He hasn’t let go of this and uses his platform to do just that. Again and again spreading the message. Travelling from town to town giving a word and guidance to do so. However, will it just linger and will people listen… that we can wonder about… because his mission isn’t a solo mission and something he can finish alone. Besigye needs people around him and the public needs to believe in the message his spreading.

This isn’t comeback. Besigye never left. That’s important to notice. His not a political figure or a candidate fighting for a position. His a voice of reason and of the struggle. A fight he has battled for decades and gotten little returns. Besigye have paid the price and we have seen how his been targeted by the authorities. No one has a criminal record like Besigye and spent time behind bars or house arrests for that matter. Therefore, he knows the cost and seen it with his own eyes.

That’s why Besigye is a vital figure and someone that we need to listen too. He will overshadow the FDC and whatever unit or entity that is created by this nationwide process will be significant. As he will be the figure and his message will be resounding within that. This is why he never left, because his not done with the mission.

Besigye won’t leave until he has finished what he started. That’s why you shouldn’t underestimate him or his associates. They will fight until they see proper freedom, liberty and the end of the junta. Peace.

Opinion: Nandutu has fallen off so quickly…

The former journalist and show runner of the “Point Blank”, Agnes Nandutu MP is now back to the back-bench of Parliament. Nandutu MP was elected in 2021 on a Independent ticket after losing out in the National Resistance Movement Primary. So, she was a NRM leaning Independent MP and was lucky to become a State Minister for Karamoja.

That’s how she was able within a short window go from being a civilian to a Minister. The President gave her a prominent role and office. She was so lucky and giddy to be there. Bashing in glory and getting the honours of the office.

Instead of building upon the trust given her. She used her Ministry and Office to eat. The moment she was able to enrich herself. She took the moment and did just that. As much as the stockpiles of mabaati was emptied. As an MP and Minister of Karamoja, she stole Mabaati and misused her office.

At one point, she was one out of few that was made an example for. She was put on trial and arrested, arraigned and spent some time behind bars. However, she was never fully charged or sentenced. Therefore, the authorities just made her example… and didn’t penalize her totally. That’s why she isn’t behind bars, but on the back-bench of Parliament.

This week the MP lost her office and kicked out of the Office of the Prime Minister. As her role belonged under the Office of the Prime Minister. That must hurt her pride and being told she wasn’t a minister anymore.

Nandutu went from being a journalist to MP to Minister within a hot-minute. Now she is demoted and being made an example of. Even if she haven’t paid a hefty price. It is a subtle backhanded slap to be demoted like this. While others who partake in the thieving is still thriving and bashing in glory with His Excellency.

Agnes Nandutu MP will still be around, but the President has taken action against her. She wasn’t above it all and that’s why she was losing in the recent reshuffle. Nandutu couldn’t even be a Minister through the whole term. No, she gotten three years and one of them in trouble. Months after the trouble losing her office. That’s a telling story and show how she has fallen.

Nandutu MP would have made a skit and run a joke about this if it was another MP on Point Blank. She would have said something sarcastically and mockingly about how she went from thieving to losing it.

The former journalist now have to walk carefully. She is not above it all and could easily be used as a scapegoat again. That’s why she lost her influence and office. The President needed to remind the cabinet and use some of them to show some fight against corruption. While his still keeping several others implicated in the same scandal. Therefore, it isn’t a truthful or honest enterprise of His Excellency.

However, Nandutu is feeling the pendulum. The MP isn’t as prominent or important enough to be kept. Her independence and ability to win in the 2021 elections aren’t celebrated. That’s why she could get demoted and lose the office. If he wanted too… the President could have written a letter and pursuit the case even further with the authorities. Therefore, Nandutu is lucky to be here and still able to eat in the August house.

Nandutu MP is an example of how not to run a Ministry. She is an example of how arrogance and hubris can lead to your downfall. Right now she’s licking her wounds, but she will see another day. Already walking free and tasting the wealth of the back-benches of Parliament. Not like she’s paying huge price or being recalled as an MP. If the NRM did that and went further. That’s when she would have lost it all. Peace.

Opinion: Bam bam bam Balaam

So bam bam, seh what a bam bam

Bam bam billa, bam bam

Bam bam billa, bam bam” – Sister Nancy – ‘Bam Bam’ (01.01.1982)

I look forward to working with and supporting the President in his visionary and deliberate efforts towards the socio-economic transformation of the people of Uganda, especially the youth. I pledge to serve Uganda in a patriotic manner, listen to the youth and their concerns, engage with them, mobilise them, and empower them towards bettering themselves and improving their lives. Viva Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Viva President Museveni, Viva Uganda” (Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, 22.03.2024).

A businessman, a music-event promoter and Muhoozi Lackey was yesterday appointed to become the Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Youth Affairs). This was Ballam Barugahara Ateenyi the music and event promoter turned politician. A man with an honorary doctorate and taken part of the organization surrounding the First Son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga.

Now after years of hustling around the first son his promoted and appointed. He goes from being an average civilian into a high ranking office. A man who was never elected or held an office in local government. Nevertheless, he worked regardless in the MK Army and now for the PLU. That’s why his picked and gotten the office.

It isn’t a coincidence, as Muhoozi trust this man. He gets ahead on the ties with Muhoozi and the inner circle in the PLU. That’s feasible enough and gives them enough reason to promote him. They see him fit for higher ranks and being an honourable.

He has pushed for stadium concerts of Chameleon and others in the past. That’s why his services have been rendered in favour of Muhoozi. The General had the need of someone who could mobilize and make people excited, because we all know that the soldier lacks character or charisma. Therefore, he needs people like Balaam around him.

Now all the work for the First Son has paid-off. He is now a full time politician and a minister. Gone from being a businessman to the cabinet. That is journey of someone of special. Balaam must feel vindicated and like his on top of the world. Because Muhoozi has gotten him there and trusted him with this office. Yes, Museveni appointed him, but without Muhoozi… Balaam wouldn’t be close to any office or ministry whatsoever. He would promote Sheeba or Lydia Jazmine.

The ones that should undermined and lost is the likes of Jennifer Full Figure, Butchaman and others who was in the inner-circle. People who was on the rise, but they never got the trust of the President or the First Son. They looked like the future, but now the likes of Balaam is getting ahead. That must hurt the pride of the ghetto figures, when a music promoter like Balaam jump the line.

Balaam has now a burden on his chest. There is most likely certain incentives and expectations from Muhoozi to get him there. He wouldn’t get this far if not.

Balaam will think that his special and unique, but if he acts wrong he can easily get into trouble like Agnes Nandutu. There is nothing that shields him or keeps him in good favours forever. Unless, his a beloved family member to Muhoozi. Because, he can be used for a time being and being dropped later. Right now his in the sun, but in the future it might rain. Peace.

Opinion: Muhoozi is rising to power…

Yesterday, the 21st of March 2024 everything was aligned for the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), First Son, the General and Senior Presidential Advisor, Muhoozi Kainerubaga. He is now the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF). That makes him more powerful and is a major promotion.

However, it isn’t only in the army he has influence anymore. The First Son has allies now appointed in the huge cabinet of his father. Lillian Arber and Balaam Barugahara have both gotten a Ministerial Appointment. They are all in the sphere of the First Son and now they have power too. Others have been demoted, but these are now government officials.

That’s all shows how the PLU is influencing the NRM. The PLU and the First Son has now slowly taking over. They are now the power-broker without an election. They just have a say and is getting high ranking offices. That is the gist of yesterday.

You cannot underestimate the reasons for all of this. Some speculate that the promotion within the army is to stop Muhoozi from being on the ballot in 2026. Give him just enough incentive to let his father stay the course one more term. Alas, his already beginning to lose patience and campaigning hard with the PLU. There must be discussions of how the transition and how the government goes from the father to the son.

They can act like we don’t know, but the points are clear here. With the ones that has been appointed in the reshuffle and the reason why they got there. Arber isn’t the brightest MP, but she got here because of her role in the circle of Muhoozi. Balaam is a music promoter who has now risen to prominence. He ha been a vocal supporter and mobilizer, that will be used in his ministerial post. Expect the budgets and the spending there vastly grow, as it will be used to promote and galvanize the PLU. That’s how this game is rigged and we can smell it.

We can play around and act a fool, but this is a power-play of Muhoozi. He is getting a say and is now a part of the cabinet. That’s because his people are now in offices. They are now part of the day-to-day operation of the state. We can act like it doesn’t matter, but this is slowly normalizing Muhoozi.

It is giving way to Muhoozi and the people he trust. This is signalling who is the power-broker and where you should align yourself with. That’s because in the end… Muhoozi can either be the saviour or the angle of death. Muhoozi can either give you life or take it. That’s the message here and people should be aware of just that.

Yesterday is another step in “Project Muhoozi”. The signs is on the horizon. Nothing new under the sun and the first son is becoming more powerful by the day. That’s where the tide is turning. We can see it and they are acting like it is a kingdom. Where the office from goes through hereditary means. Instead of the will of the people.

Muhoozi thinks he can fool the public. Just like the father thinks people cannot see it for what it is. The picture is obvious and the future is Muhoozi now. At least in the eyes of the State House and the inner-circle. If it wasn’t… why would he get such a massive promotion and get his people appointed in cabinet on the same day. Peace.

Uganda: Ministry of Defence & Veterans Affairs – Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF) – Appointments and Promotions (21.03.2024)

Opinion: The medicine haven’t worked since 1986…

I hear in Dokolo there are people who are UPC and don’t want to work with NRM or join NRM, why don’t you join the medicine that seems to have worked? There was a patient called Uganda, the other medicines applied on him did not work, this one for NRM, seems to have worked” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (19.03.2024)

Yesterday in Dokolo, the President took part of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) campaign in the By-Election there. Just like he normally does and shows his arrogance towards the public. This isn’t shocking, but his negating everything when speaking now.

Mzee is forgetting that he has been in office since 26th January 1986 and had several of decades to make a difference. He is the one that was solving all “problems” and had a “vision”. However, it is really something that he says this in 2024.

Museveni cannot say his party is the medicine and the treatment people needs. When it has been tested, used and tried since 1986 with no proper results. There been some windows of hope and some time there was signs of betterment. However, in 2024 that ship has sailed…

The sickness and the treatment with the NRM isn’t working. The Republic needs another remedy, because there is no progress or even response to the usage of NRM. Only a minor elite is gaining treatment and proper medicine by flying overseas for treatment. However, the rest will never has this chance for a better life. No that is only for a selected few and the ones in the inner-circles.

President Museveni wants to still be the answer. He wants to be the man and the one who has the answer. Nevertheless, he has had his shot and misused it. Museveni with time has become the problem and created the system that is defaulting. The cronyism and the nepotism, the corruption and the misuse of office is all embedded in the government his running. That’s because of him and how his cronies or lackeys are operating day-to-day.

That’s why the medicine that NRM is prescribe to the patients aren’t healing them. Neither is it helping with the sickness or the keeping the body in shape. No, the NRM have neglected and given fake medicine. They have either kept the medicine away from the patient or given them wrong treatment, endangering the patient and the ones who needed help. That they can do because the ones in-charge are paid, but the citizens have no where else to go. This is why the NRM hasn’t done what it needed to do.

President Museveni should know this by now, unless his lackeys are telling him porkies or his looking the other way. As President he should see how the public is living and how things are not changing. The people aren’t getting a better life or seeing a better future. No, the NRM is delivering more of the same.

That is the tragedy… and the patients deserves better. They deserve proper treatment… and not false hope. Museveni is saying the NRM is the answer, but that is proven to be wrong. His Excellency and his convoy won’t find redemption or give healing to the ones in need. No, that isn’t in their interest. That is proven with time.

If you take NRM and believes their words in 2024. You are naive and forgotten all the years of mischief. Museveni cannot get away it… and we need to call him out on it. He could have made a difference, but that wasn’t his priority. Peace.

Opinion: The PLU isn’t the opposition

It is disappointing to see people regard the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) as an opposition. Saying in the General Election of 2026 it is there to become the biggest opposition party. Alas, within the realms of that is a problem. Especially, when we are speaking of the “standby generator” and his ties to the government.

We know the serving army commander, senior advisor to the president and his family affairs. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga by all definitions of himself at this current state – is the state and is government affairs. His not an outsider looking in. Neither is he a challenger or a troublemaker for the status quo. That’s why his allowed to campaign and try to drum up support for his “self-made” and “grass-root” operation that his dwelling with.

We can easily see that the convoys, the ministers, members of parliament and everyone around is seeing this as the second coming of National Resistance Movement (NRM). The PLU is the ugly baby of the NRM. It isn’t any different really and that’s why Muhoozi has poached MPs from the NRM to be a part of the organization. While also trying to get other opposition MPs to join in to make it broad-based, just like his father tried to do at some point.

However, the PLU is the brother of the NRM. They are aligned not only by kin, but by dogma. They are in it for the same thing and no change. Muhoozi won’t revolutionize things and his using the same tricks as the NRM. Ferrying crowds, paying people to attend and giving away T-Shirts. Soon he will have dancers and singers paid to make the rallies more inspiring. Bebe Cool and Gravity or whatnot will be paid to perform. We have seen this gig before.

That’s why the ones saying PLU is there to challenge National Unity Platform (NUP) are still true. They want to make belief that the PLU is a different breed then the NRM. When in reality it is the same thing, but another logo and the son instead of the father. They are just missing the holy ghost to finalize the holy trinity.

Seriously… the attempts to normalize an army commander involved in direct politics is over. That is just another day of the week. It is now okay for the first family to build own parties and spend unknown wealth on prestige projects and act like your the next generational leader. While that is hard to believe, because there is little to no prospects or charisma to sell. Neither is there any new vibe or belief that Muhoozi can bring change. His just one of them and arrogantly thinks his entitled to be crowned “king”.

Well… the PLU will never be opposition. Because they cannot oppose themselves. You cannot fight yourself and who you are. A man cannot be an opposition and be part of the government at the same time. You are either in government or in opposition. When you are a Senior Presidential Advisor and General. Then you are defacto part of government whether you like it or not. Therefore, the PLU cannot be opposition.

Yes, the PLU can take MPs away from the opposition in the General Election, but they will be another sort of yellow brigade. They will not be any difference than the UPDF MPs or such. No, these will just be there and vote on government agenda. We cannot see them act in spite or defiance. No, they will be loyal to the cause and the President.

After all, it is the Son of the President… and the son won’t be a Brutus. Believe that. Peace.