Besigye and Bobi Wine under house-arrest on the second day…

It is now official that Dr. Kizza Besigye home in Kasangati, Wakiso district is still under siege, as the authorities and the law enforcement are even putting up mobile toilets there to stay. This means the movement and the liberty of Besigye is yet again put on hold. He is blocked from moving outside his compound and for the time being house-arrested without charges or warrants. Therefore, it is a pre-emptive action, which the Police and Military cannot directly explain.

In the same fashion, in Magere the house of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is besieged by the Police and the Military. He was able earlier in the day to whisk himself out and be in the city. However, returning later and the same procedure is there. There is a limit to his freedom and liberty to move. The house-arrest is still on and he was luckily and able to move out earlier in the day.

We are seeing a familiar pattern as the opposition planned protests and peaceful demonstrations. The authorities answers those pleas with house-arresting the leaders to silence the protest. That stopped it to a point, but there was some defiant politicians and civilians who followed up on the call. They went to the potholes and planted matooki studs. That’s a sign of how bad the roads are and that the government have to act upon this.

We have seen the authorities and state answer to this. As the humiliation of seeing matooki studs in the roads and in the middle of urban areas. This is certainly the most peaceful means of doing, except for the potholes exhibition, which was done by activists online last year. This is a continuation of this and materializing in the neighbourhoods of the citizens. Therefore, a very influential way of showing dissent without harming anyone.

Still, with that in mind, the authorities and the state doesn’t see it this way. As it is happening in the middle of an international conference and this is defiant action, which isn’t showing the beautiful and perfect side of the republic. While that is far from true, it isn’t a propaganda goal to see opposition leaders house-arrested and roads filled with matooki studs. It is an action of desperation and lack of control. Therefore, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) must feel humbled by these acts of defiance.

While the leaders are stopped in their tracks and silenced, but only able to mostly address the public on social media. It is still signs that the public and citizens are listening to the opposition leaders. As pictures of streets filled with matooki studs has come up. Most likely will the engineers and others take these away in the coming days. However, it is a sign of tiredness and of rebellion. As the public is tired of the lacking works on the roads.

The President and his Yes-Men needs to heed this call, but we shouldn’t expect anything. There is no reform or money coming this way. There is a massive need and overhaul of the roads, but that isn’t a priority. That is well known… but the opposition leaders are able to show by the dissent and the act to undermine the regime. They have by doing this shown character and finesse.

Bobi Wine and Besigye have proven skill and ability to navigate the hectic means of the state. As they have used one tactic to undermine and humiliate the state. They have lost their freedom and liberty by doing so. However, they have both been in this situation before and most likely won’t be the last. As the NRM and the regime of Museveni is unforgiving towards the ones who defies it. Peace.

Bobi Wine escapes house-arrest rabadaba style…

“Supporters enthusiastically chant for NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, upon his arrival in Katwe, Kampala, after escaping house arrest in Magere. He had been confined since yesterday for planning a protest against poor roads in the country” (The Kampala Voice, 18.01.2024).

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have been put in house-arrest since yesterday. There were reports in the morning that there were military and police officers besieging the gates in Magere, Wakiso district. However, Bobi Wine has been able escape and go out of his compound.

The authorities already have sent journalists away and harassed anyone who tried to access Bobi Wine in the early morning of the 19th of January 2024. While he was house arrested early on the 18th of January 2024.

So, the opposition leader has been able to navigate the blocked roads and gotten into the city. As Bobi Wine got to Rubaga and Katwe in Kampala city. While the security officers are surrounding his compound. The opposition leader is participating in the protest the bad roads like he called for on the 17th of January 2024.

Bobi Wine has been able to do this before and does it again. He makes a lot of noise doing this and it gives him an edge. While people question the guards and the ones at the gates. If they are in alliance or have some connections allowing him to leave. As the officers can be brutal and unforgiving to the citizens. That’s why journalists and others met with hostility and harassed earlier in the day.

We can be happy for Bobi Wine, and he got the spirit of defiance. Where he stands on the streets of the city and leads from the front. Even if it is just planting a matooki stud in a pothole. That’s what is needed to prove the wrongs of the system itself.

This must be annoying for the President and his speech. As that will be all overshadowed by the house-arrests, and the protest itself. It isn’t the smiles and perfect picture that the authorities wanted during the conference. The opposition is just showing what is wrong with the state and how it is operating.

Bobi Wine is just putting the government on alert and setting the agenda. Even if the National Resistance Movement (NRM) doesn’t want to say so. Him on a boda-boda across the city is a message that the President for Life doesn’t want to see, but it will be the picture that will reflect the short-comings of his government. Peace.

Opinion: People were supposed to smile and not plant matooki…

“”Everyone is pleased with the visitors. I feel sorry for the opposition leaders who attempted to tarnish the city. These issues, such as potholes, have existed for a long time and it has been work in progress. Why did they choose to protest now? It raises questions about their leadership and credibility.” – Robinah Nabbanja, PM” (NTV Uganda, 18.01.2024)

We know the drill. It is boring and the tales are endless. Today was just another day in the Republic. The Prime Minister is just showing it with her attitude and demeanour on NTV. There is nothing new under the sun and the authorities proved so earlier in the day. Regardless of the house-arrests and such. There was people who dared to follow the message and plants studs of matooki in the potholes of the roads. As non-violent protest against the lack of care or concern about the bad standard of roads.

We know there is never a good time to hold demonstrations or protests in the Republic. If the President blink once or twice, there is a no go. If the convoy of a Minister passes by. There is a no show. If the State House lacks coffee, tea or biscuits, you know there is a bad timing. It is just impossible to find the right time to protest or even when it feasible to do so. There is always an excuse and reason for not allowing it. There could be rain on the horizon or to much hot-air. We just know the authorities and the state will shut it down.

The Prime Minister knows this very well. It isn’t new her, as the people was told to be on the best behaviour and act like everything “good” or “awesome” in the Republic. Only smile and gin, be kind and pleasant as long as the Conference in Munyonyo is on. That’s what the patriotic citizen does and it doesn’t counteract this policy. Neither does a citizen drive into certain parts of Kampala or tries to hawk a boda-boda, because they are impounded and the livelihood is at stake for these civilians. Therefore, remember to smile and hope that feed your belly.

The PM continues…

How can one claim leadership while contributing to the destruction of infrastructure, including damaging roads in Kampala? If the Lord Mayor is weary, he has the option to resign” – Robinah Nabbanja (NTV Uganda, 18.01.2024).

The Prime Minister takes people for fools… and is only mocking herself here. As she knows perfectly well that the road isn’t get damaged by these studs. She acts like it is destruction or damaging it. However, the damage is already done by the non-existing plans of keeping the roads intact and keeping the roads to a certain standard. Therefore, the demonstrations are needed, because the PM wouldn’t talk about it; if it didn’t happen.

The state and the authorities wouldn’t care about potholes or address it. No, it would remain silent and act like there is nothing to see. That is the current state of affairs, the opposition only amplified the problem and got the people to move. This is needed to change discourse and show the state where it is lacking. When it comes to servicing the roads and making sure they are safe. The state haven’t done its duty.

The matooki studs is only showing how dire and the shoddy road-works of the Republic. The PM and her allies would prefer it happening on another date. Regardless of that, the opposition wouldn’t have that many eyes or ears to the ground if they did it on an ordinary Thursday. The PM knows and can act oblivious to the fact, but the truth is for everyone to see.

The PM is just doing her job, but she’s not good at it. To many fault-lines and she should know better, but we all know that’s just too much to ask. Peace.

Uganda: Opposition leaders house-arrested for planned demos to plant matooki in potholes…

“Police and military have sealed off homes of opposition figures Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, H.E Bobi Wine, Erias Lukwago, and others. Fred Enanga justifies the operation saying it is a restraint move to bar the opposition from causing mayhem in the city” (The Kampala Journal, 18.01.2024).

“Barricaded at home by the COWARDS! No turning back; we deserve better. Please do what you can, wherever you’re, with whatever you have, to show the terrible roads affecting you today” (Dr. Kizza Besigye, 18.01.2024).

“The cowardly military & police  have surrounded our home and put us under house arrest, but the protest is on. Fix our roads! Free Political Prisoners! Free Uganda!” (Bobi Wine, 18.01.2024).

“My home has been besieged by security operatives, it’s a demonstration of impunity and flagrant violation of the Constitution and other laws. Agitation against the abhorrable state of affairs of our infrastructure is not only a right but a command under Art.3 of our Constitution” (Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, 18.01.2024).

The authorities are on point like always when it comes to opposition activities. The Uganda Police Force and other agencies have now besieged the houses of the opposition leaders. They are arbitrary arrested as a precaution. Because the opposition announced the plans days earlier.

The United Forces for Change had planned to demonstrate against the state of the roads. That would be done by planting matooki studs in the potholes. It is a peaceful way of showing the lacking care and show how badly the roads are kept. The leaders aren’t allowed out and besieged by the authorities. However, the general public should take part of this and do it in their neighborhood.

The regime is just showing its true face as they are having visitors. They have already blocked several roads and sealed of certain parts of the city to ensure their safety. That is done to make life seem more pleasant and not show the gritty side of the nation.

This demonstration would be done in the middle of a big conference that the state has invested a lot of in. They don’t want to lose face. However, the speeches and the narrators from the conference will be lost in the wind of the arrests.

The actions against the opposition will create headlines. That the state acted this swiftly, which is common in the republic. The authorities act like this and it’s their modus operandi. We have seen it so often, so it’s not shocking at all.

People will hear about what happened to Bobi Wine, Besigye and Lukwago. They will not care about the pleasantries of Munyonyo. The public will care and react it to the display of impunity, which is served the opposition. Peace.

Opinion: Being a sovereign has a cost…

“Documents submitted by Ministry of Finance before Parliament’s Budget Committee have revealed that Uganda’s support from donors is expected to drop from Shs2.781Trn in 2023/24 to merely Shs28.94Bn in the coming budget of 2024/25” (Parliament Watch, 12.01.2024).

The Republic of Uganda and its government is within its rights to enact laws and codes, which the citizens must adhere too. That is a must and a need of any sovereign state. Uganda is no exception here in this regard. However, they have been used to donations, grants and fiscal stimulus from the outside, which has had strings attached and they are now working directly against it.

The recent shortfall of funds and lack of donor support comes because of the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023. This because the Western donors aren’t interested in supporting governments that target the LGBTQ and criminalize their behavior. Therefore, in the interests of the donors this isn’t what they signed up for or want to support. That’s why the donor funds are dwindling at a rapid rate.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has caused themselves this distress. They are within its rights to do so, but this is self-inflicted harm. The Act itself was said to not do financial damage when the paper was written about it. However, we are seeing the truth.

The President and his Party can act all supreme, but we know they are used to eat other people’s money. This is why they are bound to borrow more funds and continue the spiral of deficit financing with loans from elsewhere. That’s what they are up to and its obvious to the naked eye that it will only get worse.

The donors won’t come to the government’s aide now. They cannot sell it to their own people and gain popularity by doing so. Because they know it won’t create the popular drive they need. The NRM and the President can be popular for doing so in the Republic of Uganda, but it is different in the donor countries.

This is the reality and it’s all about the cause and the affect. One action has another reaction. A chain-reaction if you may… the NRM is learning the hard way and a brutal one at that. They are self-serving and doing it with a purpose. Though the costs of this burden will be on the next generation and when the loans mature. If they are off the hook, the debt burden won’t hurt directly, but sooner or later the nation will face default. Unless they suddenly has a new revenue stream to save it’s grace. Peace.

Opinion: We know why the UHRC is useless now…

Our entire budget was diverted looking for honestly what I considered non-existent persons or some who exist actually today live in foreign countries. Others were out on bail for some serious crimes like terrorism, vandalisation of electric wires, so when we reached them, they were so surprised that they appeared on the list of missing people. In my conclusion, none of these people are genuinely missing. From the interactions we have done with these people, none of those people provided for us is missing” – Miriam Wangadya (08.01.2024).

Let me remind you that the Uganda Human Rights Commission is supposed to: “To protect and promote fundamental Human Rights and freedoms in Uganda for sustainable development”. That’s Wangadya is supposed to do and thrive towards in her office as the Commission of UHRC. However, reading her quote about the missing National Unity Platform (NUP) activists and associates. Clearly, she is not working towards and neither the vision of the organization, which says: “A society that respects human rights and fulfils civic obligations”. Because her reasoning in this matter is against just that.

I understand why Besigye and the FDC was never taken seriously by the UHRC, as their cases taken years to consider or even being heard. When the leader of the organization talks and acts this way. She just shows that she’s unfit for her role and isn’t working within the mandate or the vision of the organization. That’s flabbergasting, but not shocking…

As a leader of the UHRC she serves a purpose and helps the cause of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The Constitutional binding reason for its existence, but it doesn’t deliver anything according to the article 52(1). That’s proven now and its evident.

The ones that is in dire straits or in trouble. They will not be shielded or helped by the UHRC. No, she will rather make excuses or sound like Mwenda. That’s the sad reality of it all. We should have been amazed that she could utter these words, but we’re not. This is why the UHRC is toothless and without remorse. It is just existing for the hell of it and not for its purpose. As an constitutional organization it is a waste of time and energy.

It is just epitome of everything wrong in the government. That’s why the UHRC is such a flagrant misuse of government spending and time. It would be better to spend money filling potholes, than spending fortunes or billions on busy-bodies doing practically nothing. Especially, when the lives are on the line and the impunity is running rampant. There is no one talking out for the victims or the ones captured by the state without charges or a fair trial. That’s why the UHRC should speak up for these people, but instead it is making up excuses.

She should know better, but that’s too much to ask. Decency, integrity and honesty is a long gone chapter. When everyone has to live on lies and deception. That’s why she has to act like this and be in the good graces of the high above. Peace.

Opinion: Otafiire is untouchable

Major General Kahinda Otafiire is someone who can do whatever, be lazy or even sleep in Parliament. He can do whatever he wants and will face no consequences whatsoever. The detractors and dissidents can say he should “resign” or even “retire”. However, he never will and as long as the President appoints him. He will show up and do his bidding as he pleases.

Otafiire is the RO/00014 of the National Resistance Army (NRA) and because of that. Museveni will keep him close and his a comrade of the struggle. These has been through the bush-years and been a loyal cadre ever since.

We know the President trusts him and have his hack. Otafiire can do anything, and it isn’t endangering him. This is why the scrutiny and criticism of his (in)action or implementation of his office is redundant. The only thing he will face… is moving Ministry and still be in the inner circle.

The ones in the MK Movement who aims for his head is just hurting itself. The ones asking for his end is just not grasping his role. Maj. Gen. Otafiire and Gen. Moses Ali are people who are there and for a reason. Museveni will know this real, and the agreements made, but we just know they have automatic office prepared for them. These two don’t have to worry about their future or their past. It is all covered and that’s because Museveni have them within his midst.

The fellows of the son and the supposed “standby generator” should know better. The inner circle will not sway by this and if he would fall. Otafiire would have been outcasted after the General Election of 2016, as he couldn’t even win the primary and get re-elected as a Member of Parliament (MP). He had been so since 1996 and suddenly he was out of the August House. However, regardless of that…

Otafiire returned as Minister and still so to this day. I’m not defending Otafiire, because he doesn’t need it. Neither is he deserving it either. No, his a man of power as a token of his years of loyalty. Museveni appreciate that and honors that. This is why his still in office and has a fancy title. Several other NRA historicals would have the same if they were still breathing or hadn’t defied him. Therefore, the Major General will be there until further notice.

The MK Movement and its leader can ask for Otafiire head, but they won’t get it. These people will easily be taken out and suddenly lose relevance. They are useful for Muhoozi now, but when the buck stops. The ones who stood by the side of Muhoozi will be cast aside. While Otafiire still have a bond and a connection to his father that no one can destroy. The one that can destroy that is either Otafiire himself or the President, but we know that will not happen.

No matter what happens, Otafiire will be around. Just like Ssekandi or Moses Ali. We just know that… and the ones thinking otherwise is naïve. Peace.

Opinion: The NRM needs billions of shillings to monitor itself and educate people to love it…

The Office of the President is also seeking for Shs5.517Bn to monitor and evaluate the NRM Manifesto, Shs2.058Bn to monitor Cabinet Decisions, Shs4.7Bn to monitor the Parish Development Model” (…) “The Office of the President has requested Parliament to avail it with Shs4.5Bn to train 225,000 Ugandans on patriotism ideology and conduct mindset change within 20 Communities in the coming 2024/25” (Parliament Watch, 05.01.2024).

It is a strange time to be alive, as the Office of the President is avail its needs for the future. That it needs about 12 billion shillings to monitor it’s manifesto, cabinet decisions and the PDM at once. This is expenditure and needs of the state. The state needs to spend billions of shilling to assess and review its own work.

That’s not governance or having oversight of matters. This is just adding expenses and not using government controller or the State House Controller for that matter. There should be Attorney Generals, the IGG or the PPDA to help out. Heck, the FIA and other organizations should help out too. This is why the OAG in the past dropped “value for money” reports and checked into the government expenditure. Which is why monitoring units seems like a duplication. It is just bananas.

12 billion spent on monitor various acts of government. This is wasted of the state reserves and the public coffers. Imagine, billions of shillings spent and justified to ensure you keep up to your manifesto. That the cabinet is actually acting accordingly to the pledges and promises of the past. Secondly, that the PDM is followed and enacted upon. It is just amazing really…

While we are on wastage, the state itself plans to “re-educate” or teach people about patriotism. That has to be budgeted for and needs further funding in the billions of shillings too. This costs 4,5 billion shillings alone. Meaning the state plans to pay people to “teach” it and “lecture” people about loving their nation. That’s what it really means, but also being patriotic in the “right way” which the “NRM way”. Not like they doesn’t have access to speeches going back to the 1980s of the President and could just make a silly leaflet of it, aye?

The NRM and the Office of the President doesn’t care really. In all practicality… this is just dumb. It is insane that they want to do it this way and spend billions upon billions on it. That they whole heartedly is selling it and want people to buy into it. We are just supposed to believe in all this monitoring. When we will read stories of ghosts, missing funds and whatnot. We will see potholes and lack of government services, regardless of the agents monitoring whatever in sight. That’s just what’s happening. So what are they doing?

They are just making creative budgeting and hoping people fall for it. As it is various and nefarious ways of tricking the numbers. Just to make the budget bigger and find ways to siphon funds. Because, who works with this monitoring and where is the mechanism checking on them?

Well, we don’t know and no one is telling. They just needs these funds and the state just got to pay the Office of the President. Even if nothing is done or achieved. This have at least given the entity some more funds, which will be spent. However, it will not serve a purpose or interests of the society. No, this is ensuring someone is eating and everyone else is supposed to be happy with that. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni speaking riddles about himself…

“In the last 64 years, ever since 1960, our Movement, initially by students, has been advocating for symbiosis instead of parasitism for actors within Uganda and outside. Let us concentrate on utilizing the progress of man in the struggle against oppression of man by nature, rather than using that progress in science and technology, for parasitism. Let us expunge all the ideas of chauvinism. What is good for the goose, is also good for the gander.  Stop manipulations and lectures to the societies that are different from yours. If you think you are right, influence people by example. “Let your light so shine before men, that they see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven”, it says in the book of: Matthew Chapter 5 Verse 16” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (04.01.2024).

The one that has ruled them all since January 1986 are still speaking in codes. Thinking his smart and wise, but the words his using can be used against himself. That’s because of his oppressive nature and how he operates as a ruler. The oppressive behavior of the state and the authorities is telling. We cannot overlook that, as the knowledge of arbitrary arrests, kidnappings, keeping civilians incommunicado, torture, extra judicial killings and trial civilians in Court Martial etc.

When you know all that and listens to parts of the speech of yesterday. It is like these words was crafted against his own reign. He deserves these words hit back at him. His not a man of peace, but of brutality and war. That’s who Museveni is and we all know that. As President he can only rule by decree and orders, but not by consensus. That’s why he preferred the Movement System over Multi-Party Democracy. This is known and not even a well known secret either.

Just read this paragraph from his speech:

“Examples: the iron tools were used for oppression, the gun-powder, the air-craft, the nuclear weapons, the rockets etc., were used for the same. The greed is a miscalculation, because if you try to use knowledge to oppress others, they also strive to acquire knowledge to catch up with you and defeat you.  This is why Empires collapsed –all of them, without exception” (Museveni, 04.01.2024).

It’s like we don’t know and his oblivious to the facts of his operation. We know the drill and what he does. The greed of his inner-circle and himself. The manner of which the high ranking officials are operating and enlarging their pockets. There is no denial in it and we are seeing it happening on a daily basis. It is just the way the National Resistance Movement (NRM) are miscalculating the public sentiment and thinking they can get away with it forever.

Sooner or later, someone will find the trick or the solution to end this reign. That is just a matter of time. The oppression will not last to end of time and Museveni himself will not reign supreme from the after-life. No, his just a mere mortal, even if he believes himself to be a demigod. Alas, we know the gist and these things will matter in the end.

Sooner or later, someone will defeat Museveni too. We don’t know how or when. However, all empires fall and so will Pax Musevenica too… Peace.

Opinion: Another Supplementary Budget loading [the State House needs to be rescued…]

State House is seeking for Shs57.14Bn to buy new security equipment, household items and vehicles for the presidency. However, only Shs21.722Bn has been allocated in the 2024/25 national budget, thus leaving the Presidency grappling with a funding gap of Shs35.418Bn. According to the breakdown, State House is seeking for Shs14.401Bn to continue with the process of refurbishing Entebbe State House, another Shs13.468Bn to procure new security equipment. State House is also seeking for Shs6.549Bn to procure vehicles for the President as well as another Shs8Bn for travel abroad” (Parliament Watch, 04.01.2024).

Just this December the Parliament enacted the first Supplementary Budget of the Financial Year of 2023/2024. That Supplementary Budget was a total of 3,5 trillion shillings, which the State House was getting additional 448 billion shillings for various expenditure. Therefore, reading just a month later that the State House needs 35,418 billion shillings. Wasn’t that covered in the 448 billion shillings last month, aye?

The first Supplementary Budget was an addition to the first passed budget for the Financial Year where the State House was already getting 417,9 billion shillings. This means the State House has already spent around 865 billion shillings in this Financial Year and they are still lacking an additional 35, 418 billion shillings. If the State House does get this funds it will have spent 901,31 billion shillings already. That’s a long time before the FY is over and 30th June 2024.

So with that in mind. We should expect the State House to spend over a Trillion Shillings alone, as it is getting close to 900 billions as we speak. That’s telling how the President and his inner-circle is spending these days. He can speak of living within his means and whatnot, but his spending like there is no tomorrow. Because there is always more funds to capture and more expenditure to spend.

He needs more vehicles, jet fuel, cover water-bills and whatnot like he always does. So, the State House is missing funding to pay for electricity or keep salaries for staff at bay. As the plentiful of Presidential Advisors needs their envelopes from him. We shouldn’t be shocked, because it is all excuse for public wastage and misuse of office.

The State House should have been more than covered with the first budget vote and the funds gotten there. This is just showing how little fiscal discipline the President has. As he always needs money and his minions has to find excuses and arguments for why he needs more. Soon the prices of proverbs and posho is too costly. That’s why he needs more funds..

The President will act ignorant or be silent about this. He will act like his not the guy spending these funds, but initially he is. It is done on his watch and at his mercy. In the end… it is his will and that will be done. Amen. Peace.