Opinion: Mr. President, it’s your policies from the 1990s that made Busoga poor…

I have been peeping through my car window as I travelled here for this function and I have kept wondering to myself how do these people (in Busoga sub region) live through this sort of poverty? I have screened through all these villages where I have passed but the houses and all the other things I have seen have left me wondering how it’s possible for our people [in Busoga] to survive through these hard economic conditions”– President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (18.11.2023).

We are living in 2023 and the generations that saw the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) are old, bitter or forgotten about. They saw the implications and the costs of doing so. The privatization and liberalization of the economy, which was the stipulations of the Bretton Woods Organizations and getting loans in the 1990s. This was at a time when President Museveni himself was a “new breed” of leadership and even a President that Bill Clinton spoke kindly of.

However, those days are gone, decades later and the grim realities of the effects of those policies are now coming to haunt the government. Industries and the industrial hub of Jinja city died as a cause of this. State owned and operated Cooperatives ceased to exist, sold or just dissolved. The ones thriving industries was sold for scraps and are now a jaded memory. While it was decades one of the points and cities that pumped foreign currency and created wealth.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni earned fortunes on the loans, grants and the SAPs. They got favours and favourable terms for the central government, but the businesses, state owned enterprises or cooperatives had to adjust to new terms. Which inflicted harm and damage, which have never been able to heal.

That why this was reported earlier in the year:

According to the Busoga Development Agenda (BDA), Busoga’s economic collapse is partly a result of the collapse of Jinja’s industrial prowess due to the 1994 privatization policy and weakening of the cooperative movement in Busoga, a disunited political leadership and cultural leadership differences that destabilized the role of the Kyabazingahood as a rallying point for the unity of Busoga after the demise of the late His Royal Highness Henry Wako Muloki” (Busoga Today – ‘Development and Economic Empowerment’, 22.07.2023).

If you ever wonder how the process and the sales was done by the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Well, it is done like it has always been done. It has been done with favours and within own ranks, the NRM Way. The way of the President and his inner-circle. They are getting bargains and good deals or a trade for loyalty. That’s what Museveni does and he can sell of anything, if it benefits him and his time in office. He don’t care if a hotel goes bust or gets sold for scraps. Museveni don’t mind if a factory or a cooperative gets locked in and gets worse ownership. No, he sold something and return he got a loyal crony. That’s the business model and that how you destroy industries and production.

Just read this one here from an Academic Paper in 2011:

During the privatization process at least seven (9%) out of 74 SOEs were undervalued and sold to government employees costing government Shs. 4.3 billion (US$2.2) (over US$2,152,000 at US$=Shs.2, 000).xxxvi Undervaluation (AV>SP) was calculated as the excess of asset value (AV) over the sales price (SP). The undervaluation was explained by politics and weak private sector. First, the ruling party supporters included cabinet ministers, presidential advisers, National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters and Members of Parliament (MPs). In order to marshal political support, the ruling NRM either undervalued or condoned default” (…) “Second, undervaluation was expected even before sale if the locals were to buy SOEs. What was not expected, however, was the preferred sale of the SOEs to NRM cadres and family members of President Museveni. Before sale, it was realized that the locals would not be able to buy all assets offered for privatization. Total SOE assets exceeded all the amount of money in the Ugandan Banks. While total SOEs assets were valued at Shs. US$ 1 m (Shs. 200 billion), the entire money supply was just shs. 50 billion and bank deposits stood at shs. 46 billion end of January 1989” (David Kibikyo – ‘Fiscal impact of privatization in Uganda 1992-2007’ July 2011, African Journal of Political Science and International Relations Vol. 5(7), pp. 371-387).

So, when the NRM comes to town and Busoga and says “vote for NRM we bring development”. Well, in regards to the Busoga sub-region. The NRM has brought the opposite. The President and his policies from the 1990s and early 1980s are the destructive means, which destroyed the industries of Jinja. That’s a fact and the sale of SOEs didn’t benefit the sub-region either. It was a drive to keep the inner-circle happy and the enrich his family. That’s what the gist of the privatization, which hurt Busoga and other owned state owned enterprises across the Republic.

The President can act like a visitor and as a stranger to Busoga in 2023. However, it is his will and his choices that put them there. He decided to take the International Monetary Funds (IMF) and World Bank (WB) funds that entailed the SAPs. The President didn’t mind the implications and complied, as he saw positive outcomes… profits internally and externally become beloved. Because, he followed “Washington Consensus” and traded the future of the nation for a few silver coins. That’s what he did and now his blaming the Busoga in part for their poverty. When he can be blamed and should carry a heavy burden for doing so. Peace.

Opinion: Is Norbert Mao living under a rock?

Government has since established that there are those who want to cause political change in Uganda whose human rights activism is from the posturing of changing Government. If your motive is to change Government, I think you better off playing that game from a political party rather than a civil society organization” (…) “You are actually safer in a political party because if you form a political party, your intentions are clear to evict the incumbent government and replace it with yours other than disguising under human rights activism” (…) “It’s not my duty to come here and sanitise the human rights situation in Uganda. I’m disgusted by it myself. I want to tell you that there’s no more image to protect in terms of human rights. The government is stark naked; I can tell you frankly” – Norbert Mao (15.11.2023).

Mirror, mirror on the wall! Who is the brightest of them all?

Well, it isn’t Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao. That is for certain, because his reasoning is falling out of any common sense. It is like we are living on another planet and that there are certain stipulations, which are in place and where rule of law exists.

Because, just reading these sentences from the Honourable Minister is just beyond me. He knows better and his currently serving this government. The Minister knows what is going on and acting like this disingenuous. Mao is insincere and cannot be saved…

When you speak like this and says these things. It is like we haven’t seen it and doesn’t know how the state operates. He acts like were oblivious to the facts and to the modus operandi. That we don’t know about the “drones” and about the sudden “kidnappings” or even extra judicial killings done on orders from the “high above”. This just the day-to-day operation and how they have decided to play this one out.

Norbert Mao can act this nonchalant at the venue. He can speak like this, because he doesn’t have to fear. Right now his a Minister and an appointed dignitary. His entrusted with this office and accepted to serve the President. That’s why he can speak this way and think we are all fools. Which we apparently isn’t and he cannot grasp that.

Even if you do start a political party and have the vision of a new government. Certainly, that party and the leadership will meet the authorities. They will be kept under surveillance and be on the radar of the intelligence community. The security apparatus will be on guard and suddenly attack, silence or even get rid of activists associated with the party. Because, that is what we have seen and continues to see. So, it doesn’t matter if you join politics or not. As long as you dare to question, stand-out and speak out. You endanger your life, no matter where you affiliate or assemble with.

As a Minister in the Republic. He should know this and have some privy information about it. However, he acts like there are special stipulations or rules, which the state abides by. When we have seen, heard and gotten the whiff of how they operate. There is nothing hidden in the realm of darkness. The lights are already cast over the shadows and we know the murky acts of the state. They have been revealed and the Minister cannot spin that.

Mao wishes he could act surprised or unknowingly. While he tries to be defiant and act as an opposition while serving in the government. His words aren’t that clever and we can see it for what it is.

Norbert Mao tried to outsmart someone, but it isn’t working on everyone. We know what his saying isn’t true. If it was so… why are so many kidnapped, arrested, detained, extra judicially killed and such who happens to be associated or a part of one political party, aye?

Mao, can you tell me? I need to know why? Why are the ones associated with People Power and National Unity Platform a target of the state? Why? What reason for it? When there supposed to special laws or reasons to allow political parties to exist? Why?

Answer me that riddle. Because, it doesn’t add up and then I know it isn’t legit. Peace.

The Misadventure of Samuel Walter Mukaaku Lubega…

I wasn’t invited to the NUP headquarters unveiling, but I guess they just forgot. However, my input in the formation of People Power was immense. If NUP has a mother, I am the mother” – Lubega Mukaaku (07.11.2023).

Sometimes, someone should be happy that they were that close, but they were still that far. There was a reason why Mukaaku Lubega was an aspiring Member of Parliament for Rubaga South Division and ended up running on a Social Democratic Party ticket. He wasn’t the flag-bearer for the People Power Movement or the National Unity Platform (NUP). No, he ran on the SDP and the Democratic Party Block (DP Block) ticket of sorts.

He really thought he was special and had a unique role. A somewhat “main character” syndrome and being the character of your own movie. Where you are the one who makes the changes and who has the ability to make a difference. Alas, that wasn’t the case and he even caused a stir from within. Not only is his barking and tongue twisting rhetoric, after Bobi Wine didn’t follow-up or care to join the DP Block. He saw it for what it was and left it behind. While Mukaaku Lubega was already invested in it and had a role. Regardless of the pressure group standing or even possibility of gaining a momentum.

We can understand that the man wants to be seen as vital person. He desperately wanted to a MP and be respected by the NUP. In the People Power Movement he wanted to be seen as an achiever and become a voice. However, his own blind ambition and lack of self-control possibly destroyed it all.

You know it is bad when the NUP sacks you outright and take your out of a race. There is something shady then and something not acting right. It had to be the character and smelling trouble. This is why the NUP fielded Mukasa Aloysius Talton Gold who won with over 49,000 votes, wile Lubega himself got only 719 votes. Therefore, the NUP did the right choice and picked a more suited candidate.

When you write this in July 2023 to Bobi Wine: “The public has many doubts and is asking many questions. It needs answers. There is a growing feeling that the struggle is off the rails rendering no hope for change. There is need to have a frank reflection and evaluation of the past period, if possible correct mistakes and clarify the above unsettling developments in order to regain public confidence . We in the DP BLOC too need clarity on these issues to adequately inform our decision on our next course” (Lubega, 2023).

We can just see where he stands and what role his playing. A man who sought distrust and trying to discredit the NUP and the People Power Movement. It was within reason that NUP in their time did sack him outright. Maybe not in the best manner, but the way they saw fight. Because, they knew he was a liability. That’s why he wants to be of vast importance now.

He wants glory and tell tales of old. Since he was in meetings and interviews. He was canvassing votes and trying to drum up support. Yes, he did so, but so did plenty others and they didn’t try to aim for roles or titles. However, you sought for that and got that in the DP Block. A place where you belonged and where you had history as a Young Democrat of sorts. Therefore, this tale today is bonkers and beneath you.

Lubega should know better, but apparently his not. Well… main character syndrome is powerful and can distort someone vision. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee’s arrogance towards AGOA…

I need to advise you not to be over-concerned by the recent actions by the American Government in discouraging their companies from investing in Uganda and on removing Uganda from the AGOA list” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (05.11.2023).

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is an opportunity for the businesses in Uganda to export products or produce, raw material and others to the United States of America on unique terms. Which has been beneficial for other nations. While the National Resistance Movement (NRM) haven’t been able to develop or follow the terms or conditions for such is another matter. As we know the Kenyans are much more thrifty and has set the standard on these matters. That’s maybe why the President is so arrogant and brushes it off.

A key aspect in the letter from U.S. President Joe Biden on the 30th October was this:

Despite intensive engagement between the United States and the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda, these countries have failed to address United States concerns about their non-compliance with the AGOA eligibility criteria.” (Biden, 30.10.2023).

The key term here is “non-compliance” and meaning the Ugandan authorities or government itself is breaching the agreement, which is reason for the opportunity to trade within the framework of AGOA. The Ugandan government might disagree with these conditions or terms, but has to comply to be eligible in the first place. That’s the rule that AGOA sets on anyone and they just have to comply. It is as simple as that.

However, Museveni wants it his way…

Uganda, under the NRM, is and will succeed, regardless of what some of the external actors and internal detractors do. The further good news, is that not all the Western Countries’ actors are of the same arrogant attitude. Many, actually, either agree with us or believe in the correct principles of live and let live. Even in the colonial times, some Western actors supported our anti-colonial struggle. People like Fenner Brockway, Dingle Foot, Olof Palme, etc., supported us” (Museveni, 05.11.2023).

The U.S. legislation of AGOA is a “new” one in some senses, as it only dates back to 2020. It isn’t a colonial relic or a mechanism from the days of slavery. No, it is a modern one, which has one important aspect.

That is explained like this: “The legislation significantly enhances market access to the US for qualifying Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. It does that by allocating a special program indicator (‘D’) to approximately 6,800 tariff lines in the US tariff schedule, which allows US importers to clear such goods – sourced from eligible African countries – duty-free under AGOA” (AGOA – About AGOA).

This explanation is stating one fact, which the businesses of Uganda misses out on. They will loose out on favourable tariffs when exporting to the U.S. Market. Meaning the prices of exporting will go up and the viability to enter the market will be much tougher. On the short-term its only the ones supplying and exporting the U.S. under these terms that is hit today. However, in the long run… the ones who wants or have a chance. They will either be to expensive or to much red-tape to get there. Which isn’t better for development or trading in general.

The AGOA and principals of AGOA could be beneficial for Ugandan businesses. Especially, if export businesses and the ones who has value-added enterprises wanted to significantly enter a capitalistic market and ensure possibility of selling on a large scale. Because, that what you do, if you get a shot.

We see that the President doesn’t value this and for his often speaking of value-addition. This here is the opposite and it isn’t clever. Neither using arrogance or colonialism. The AGOA is about an opening to a market and ability to trade without to many hurdles. The AGOA has stipulations, but if you adhere to them. You get prospects of entering a market, which gives you possible profits. Therefore, you are foolish to let this one slide. However, that is what the President does and he doesn’t mind.

Actually, the President isn’t concerned… and that is telling. Peace.

The United States Trade Representative – Executive Office of the President letter to Ugandan Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Hon. Francis Mwebesa on “AGOA” (31.10.2023)

Teso Affairs: The failure of Soroti Fruit Factory Part III – Who are they, Mzee?

From one acre of apples, you can get a lot of money. The problem was on our side: planning. We tried to build a fruit factory in Soroti, but it was poorly built, I think they stole the money. That is why I was now struggling with Olivia to see whether we can get private investors” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (02.11.2023).

The Republic of Korea invested 8 million dollars towards the construction of the factory, equipment installation and training of Ugandan staff to operate the factory. The Ugandan government contributed 2.2 million dollars. The Ugandan contribution catered for land acquisition and other utilities” (David Tumusiime & Ddumba Lawrence – ‘KOICA sponsored Soroti Fruit factory ready to open doors for business’ 18.04.2019).

When hearing the quote from the President. My mind boggled for a minute. Who are they?

Is it the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) or is it the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC)? The Ugandan Government have invested into the Soroti Fruit Factory for years… So, who are “they”?

When the President speaks about planning, that has been proven by a Committee Report from the Parliament last year (2022). That report stated the Factory was built for another type of fruit than the preferable or the ones that is mostly produced in the region. So, the government through UDC and KOICA invested in Mangos, but the Teso Sub-Region is known for oranges. Therefore, why did you do this in the first place).

The second report last year (2022) stated the Factory had 2 year old orange concentrate, but didn’t know what to do with it. Neither had the factory the manpower or the storage to have fruits from the regions farmers. Therefore, the factory itself isn’t able to add value to the agricultural sector. Neither does it has a packing line or other things it needs to make tradeable juices. Which is one of the massive ways to trade and use fruit. Alas, another proof of the lack of planning for the ones who built it.

We know that the Government of Uganda has budgeted funds for the Soroti Fruit Factory for years, but nothing has improved. There been plenty of budget posts and investments from the state. Not like they only built it and forgot about it. No, there been steadily funds for it. However, nothing has helped…

It is just strange that the President says someone stole funds, but not mentioning who… when the state and others was involved. There was surely lots of stakeholders… and the digging will find skeletons in the closet.

The Teso Sub-Region and their farmers deserves better. The citizens in general who has lost money from the public coffers. The state reserves and foreign investors who also spent funds did so to no avail. The promise of development and profits haven’t occurred. Not only lacking planning, but also accountability.

We can wonder who is “they”… and why he said “they”. Now we can just await if someone will ever find “them” and take “them” in. Peace.

Opinion: You can apparently besiege a place, but not open it…

“I blocked NUP from unveiling its Kavule Headquarters because president Museveni shall be in Kawempe tomorrow and you know he needs people to be ferried to his processions. When we allow NUP to proceed, Museveni may not have people to attend his function,”~Kawempe Dep. RCC Ndidde” (The Kampala Journal, 01.11.2023).

Uganda Police and the army earlier today deployed heavily at the have deployed heavily at the new opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) offices in Kawempe Division where the party president Robert Kyagulanyi and other members had planned to officially open today” (STV Uganda, 02.11.2023).

The Uganda Police Force, the high ranking officials and whoever was in-charge of the security detail surrounding the new Headquarters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has lost the plot. Seriously. It is just dumb and the reasoning was foolish.

Telling 48 hours in advance that the NUP had to find another date to get accommodated too. Because, the authorities and the security couldn’t handle it. Alas, here is problem with saying that. When you in advance of the scheduled opening has besieged the plot and the compound. In such a fashion that no entry is possible. That’s what the authorities did today and they had plenty of guards, police officers and soldiers alert. Meaning, the authorities could have ensured the safety of the NUP and let them open the Party Headquarters. However, that wasn’t the order and that’s why the Party was forced to wait to tomorrow.

The authorities aren’t that wise here. Neither are they showing any finesse. The President is making himself look unpopular too. As he knows the people would surround the NUP Headquarters and not at his function. That’s why his appointee had to serve him and block the NUP from opening up their own offices. It just shows the ironies of life and how “one man” rules them all.

This wasn’t to safe-guard or benefit the people. No, this was all done to serve His Excellency. Not to secure and make it right for the NUP. The state and the President had a plan, which was so important that everything else had to stop. Because, if it didn’t he would look humiliated and alone. The state handlers and the servants of the President couldn’t let that happen. Which is why the NUP had to pay a price and open their offices on another day.

It is just really amusing that the RCC and the Authorities stated they didn’t have the manpower to secure and facilitate the opening. When they had enough soldiers and police officers to ensure a rigged election out there. They had enough officers to stop all movement and traffic, if they wanted too. However, the same guards, officers and soldiers couldn’t ensure the safety and the opening. That is just ridiculous!

The emperor is naked. The foolishness of the oppressor has no end. This is the democracy and the freedoms that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) abides by. It is how they roll and people just have to accept it. Peace.

Uganda: PACEID – Statement from the Office of Odrek Rwabwogo, Chair of Uganda’s Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports & Industrial Development (PACEID) – (01.11.2023)

The Disciples of Odrek Rwabwogo letter to the Chairperson of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (30.10.2023)

Opinion: Besigye needs a new home

Today it was finalized, the leadership of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) split itself from the People’s Government and the Katonga branch. This means Dr. Kizza Besigye and his allies needs to find a new home. The people of defiance and resilience against oppression has to start up fresh.

There been speculations that the Besigye fraction would do like Bobi Wine did and “buy-out” a defunct party. Nevertheless, there has no proof of it. The other side has said it should just become a part of the National Unity Platform, as it is already working with and coordinating with the NUP. Because, Bobi Wine and Besigye have a cordial relationship as politicians.

Today’s resolution from the FDC is just crystal-clear. There is no way to return now. No steps for dialogue or talk between Besigye or his former fellows in the FDC Najjanankumbi. These folks has detached themselves from him and called him an imposter. They are saying his wrongly using the FDC logos and posturing as a part of the party. That together with the rest of his allies. Therefore, there is no more between him and them.

This is why the people of the People’s Government and FDC Katonga Fraction has to decide what to do. They will not be taken care off or be favoured in the leadership from within the FDC. That ship has sailed and they have been evicted. Bluntly thrown out of their own party and if they don’t… then well… a disciplinary committee will come and will enforce sanctions on them.

With that in mind… we know there is no return and why should they?

The betrayal was in the city and they took advantage. They ate and has enjoyed the spoils. Now they are running the show and “legitimized” their own existence. While vilifying one of the founders and one of the reasons why the party was as big in the first place.

It is amazing that the party of Besigye has thrown Besigye out. That what happened today. In reality his own party has made him an outcast. That is the truth. Someone who fought for the party and helped building it from scratch. That person is one of them you throw out like garbage. It is just showing what the FDC leadership has become and who they are… when they act like this.

There is no returning back. Amuriat and Mafabi has sold it all and they are willing to do this. They are proud of it and announced it like nothing. Just a formality….

That shows that they are not considering the implications and what it signify. The signal they are sending is clear. The FDC they run are not aligned with the principals and ideals of Besigye. Which means they are more easily corruptible and easy access then ever before. Because, we know that Besigey will fight hard and take the punishment with ease. That’s something he has done for years and paid the price for the cause. Alas, that doesn’t matter to the FDC leadership.

This current FDC leadership doesn’t value Besigye or his kind. That is compelling and is a warning… We now know… and the ones proud party and resilient one is now mediocre and like so many others. Because, it betrayed its own for personal glory.

That’s why one of the founders and his allies has to find a new home. Either make their own or join another one. Since there is nothing left for them to return too….

A Luta Continua. Peace.