Uganda at 61: Not yet Uhuru… not yet Amani…

Today there was an Independence Day celebration at Boma Grounds in Kitgum district. While the dignitaries are celebrating themselves and bashing in glory. The truth is that the 61 years of independence from the British has been partly wasted. That in particular the recent regime that hasn’t served the interests of the people or developed the nation.

That’s why it’s not yet Uhuru. There is just a partly independence or liberation. Because, the internal affairs of the nation is still a disgrace. While the President and his cronies had a fine time in Kitgum. There was tear-gas in Kamwokya and even Bishop William Tomusange was arrested. As the opposition party, National Unity Platform (NUP) had planned a prayer for all the political prisoners on this day. Alas, that was blocked and even high ranking officials got arrested today.

The honourable mentions are Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya and Spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi. These two was arrested at the NUP Headquarters, later taken to Kiira Road Police Station where they was detained. 

This is just telling of the state of affairs. There is a rot and a mismanagement from the top. As these things are just politely showing what is wrong with the nation. It comes from the “high above” and the choices they make. The inner circle of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the authorities that follows orders.

This is the NRM Way and everyone should just blindly obey. That is the right way of passage. There should be no dissent or no defiance to the ones in power. Because, the old man is the only man with a vision. At least that what he used to say and now we see how the whole thing is shattering in front of our eyes.

There is progress, development or any sort of historic landmark that gets things future. Only re-issuing old tricks and calling them new names. While doing the same scheme and taking the people for granted. Excepting mediocrity and lacking government services. Meanwhile high ranking officials are getting medical treatment abroad or educating their kids there too. The hospitals are in a shoddy state and so are the schools. Police Stations and the quarters for the officers are also in a bad state. There is little working and it’s continues, year in and year out. It is just to be expected and the only thing partly working in the Prisons Service, which is vastly important to keep the dissent at bay.

I understand why many is troubled by today. That there is a need for restrain and a lack of happiness. That’s because the kicking out of the old master didn’t give the republic a better master. Instead it got another one who is more ruthless, lying and conceiving. A man who uses forces and keeps everyone in order. A leader who has no troubles in stealing, killing or corrupting people’s minds. As long as he remain on the throne and everyone just begs him for mercy. That’s the state of affairs and it’s tragic.

Uganda is at 61. It has had 61 years and since 1986 it has only had one President and he has ruled supreme. He has tried to make himself a legend and extraordinary. Tried to make himself into the father of the nation. Little by little trying to rewrite history, but also ensure his legacy lives on. While his achievements has failed and his governance is bonkers. There is little to show for all the years in office and only that he was out for blood. That all he has and there is less and less appetite for actual service delivery. Instead it’s more of the same and living by the slogan of “no change”.

Museveni isn’t an enigma, but a man of many seasons. However, those seasons has taken a toll. The years has shown his true character and he cannot hide the truth anymore. There is nowhere to hide in 2023. When you arrest a bishop and political opposition on Independence Day. You know you are in the wrong and should act differently. Nevertheless, for the President and his regime its just another Monday. Peace.

Opinion: Nandala Mafabi we know who you are…

Let them sign their wills before they come. Nobody is going to play with FDC, and I want to tell Lukwago, let him be at the forefront, and I will show him who I am.”— Nathan Nandala Mafabi (06.10.2023).

Today, the Najjanankumbi faction party held their election and the culprits of recent actions retained their offices. This being Nandala Mafabi as Party Secretary General and Patrick Oboi Amuriat who is in his second term as Party President. The others I don’t care to mention, because that is just loyalist of these two or people who has traded positions to get there by this point. It isn’t funny or entertaining, just depressing actually.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is official deceased. It is over… the party of defiance and staunch resilience against the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is history. The ones that has inherited the offices and the party are disgraceful who spits on the sacrifices and the ones who built the party from the ground up. They continue to embark on a futile mission and seriously continue to harm the party.

The party is now becoming irrelevant by these actions. The FDC Katonga Faction better just start a new party. They are better off that way and they can continue the legacy of the old FDC. Because, the new one is a mockery of the old. They know the gist and these are the ones that fought for the party. The others are the ones that takes and expects others just to follow command. That’s how Nandala Mafabi and Amuriat is acting these days. There is no mediation or possibility to reconcile at this time. Because, there is nowhere to go and nothing to gain. It isn’t like the FDC Najjanankumbi will give way or even entertain the others. They are just busy maligning and putting despicable spin against the ones there. Therefore, we know their game and it’s just damaging.

The FDC isn’t bruised, it was on it’s deathbed and a little hope of revival, but now it is without a pulse. It doesn’t have the character or the factors that made it unique. They are just people hungry for offices and positions. The party is now a place of seeking relevance and leveraging the remaining assets. It isn’t about building or trying to be an answer. No, just a common place to be politicking and trying to forge a future for your own self. That wasn’t the ideal or the mission of the party, but that’s what it has become.

We know who Nandala Mafabi is… he don’t have to threaten or act arrogant about it. His a hallow vessel of a man. A mockery of an opposition leader and an attempting to strongman people. While his vile and utterances only shows how naked he is. As the narratives are spinning everyone and anyone who opposed his reign is maligned. While his supposed to be a Saint and Saviour. He won’t even carry his own cross. So, why should we believe the man is without sin? Aye?

He should clean the dirt of his shoulders, but we know he cannot do it. That hurts his pride and his fellow peers will destroy him. Surely there is something beneath this demeanour. What that is? I don’t know, but it isn’t godly. No, it is common greed and prestige. The things that leaves men astray. His only losing lust to a total jackpot.

Nandala Mafabi, you have acted insincere and a fool. Your words aren’t of a man of your station. However, you still act this way and if this gives you power. Well, be it then, but don’t expect outsiders to be on the ride. We see you and it’s not a good look. The energy your possessing creaes only more turmoil and chaos. The party deserves better, much better, but you have betrayed that party for personal gains. That’s why you don’t care and everyone watching can see that. Peace.

Bobi Wine’s Return: We knew Bobi Wine would be in trouble…

The announced 1 million march was the signal that the authorities needed to strike. They knew when Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine would arrive at Entebbe International Airport. That meant they could plan the day and ahead of time coordinate all the different security units in- and around the greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. This meant they could fix the roadblocks, ensure extensive safety procedures surrounding the airport and everything else.

That is why so many journalists, activists, MPs and others was scorned today as well. Because, this was bound to go down. There are many who are in jail right now for participating or trying to greet Bobi Wine at Entebbe. They are now punished for saying “hello” to someone. That is the gist of things and others behind bars just by mere association with the National Unity Platform (NUP).

That’s why scores of people are behind bars. While Bobi Wine himself is under house-arrest and we don’t know for how long. We know they will keep him there a while now and do it longer than the 48 hours stipulated by law. However, that doesn’t count for dissidents, but only for others. That we have seen over the years and the same procedure happens again and again.

Today was no difference… today was like it was scripted. We could write it in advance and he was arrested on the tarmac. Whisked away by security operatives and later dropped off in his own home in Magere, Wakiso District. Where the security guards of the home was ruffled with and the roads going to Bobi Wine was also besieged. That’s just how these stories goes and later we will know all the various charges pinned on people for today. There will be all sort of foolery going on, as we know the gist, but they cannot say that out loud. That would against the constitution and the rights to assembly, which means the state or authorities has to find other excuses for the detained people.

Some says today should be lesson. Well, it is return of the same old problems. The same state and its authorities that bashes itself in glory at Kololo Independence Grounds, but outside of that is going totally crazy against the dissidents. That happened at the same time and within the same city. One place there was happy speeches and glorious state affairs. While minutes away people was arrested, brutally detained and others was blocked by the police. Roads are sealed off and people using longer time to commute. Therefore, today was a bad day and not a learning experience.

Not like we haven’t seen this movie before under Museveni. This is a return of a well known chapter and franchise in the NRM Way. We have gotten to know this reoccurring events and they transpire like this. While the cronies and appointed leadership will downplay the whole ordeal or make it insignificant. We still saw what lengths they go to stop one man from not only entering as an ordinary civilian, but letting him assemble people or generate a welcoming ceremony. That is obviously a cardinal sin and only H.E. can have his entourage at Entebbe. The rest have to peasants and idle nobodies who cannot interfere in his sphere.

That’s why we know Bobi Wine would be in trouble. The moment the NUP announced the plans for a special return. That’s when we knew this was in the cards and the deck was shuffled in his disadvantage. There was nothing for Bobi Wine to gain. His getting sympathy and people know his troubles. He challenge the Gods, but they are unforgiving. They are relentless and will not give way. No, that’s not happening anytime soon.

Today is another proof of that. As long as the centre holds… there is little to nobody who can conquer it. Especially with soft-power and with usage of people power. No, that will not overcome it and not at this speed. The nation is numb and has seen these sorts of things play out so many times before. Without any changes and after a few days of house-arrest. Nothing will be any different and things will go back to normal. Because, that what matters… and Bobi Wine has continue the fight without getting anything out of it. Only a few headlines and some international press writing about it. However, elsewhere there is nothing to gain and there will be little fanfare. Only more of the same.

H.E. will prosper and others will suffer. Just like yesterday and the day before. Peace.

World Liberty Congress (WLC): WLC Calls for the immediate Release of Bobi Wine (05.10.2023)

Bobi Wine’s Return: UPF confirms his journey home…

We wish to inform the public that the NUP President, Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert was successfully escorted by our security team from Entebbe to his home in Magere. He reached his home around 11.20am, and is with his family and friends. Disregard rumors of his arrest by propagandists. Meanwhile, business activities and movements along Entebbe road, within Kampala and Gayaza, are flowing smoothly” (Uganda Police Force, 05.10.2023).

You cannot propagandize this one, the UPF is out of line and so is the authorities. If this was as peaceful and planned. The same ones wouldn’t arrest mobilizers the day ahead. Neither would journalists be arrested or other MPs for that matter. The authorities would act like this in Entebbe, Wakiso or in Kampala. Therefore, the downplay of their actions is infuriating.

If the authorities wanted things to be smooth. He would have checked in with immigration, gone through ordinary protocol as a traveller at an international airport and picked up his luggage before getting into a vehicle there. However, that was never the plan and the authorities arrested him with force on the tarmac of Entebbe International Airport. The pictures and videos are out going viral. Just showing what the state did. So, there is no turning backsies now.

This here just show what sort of oppression the state is up too and its a not a good look. They are just displaying it for the world to see. The citizens can see it too and that’s why they fear as well. Because, they will be in the slammer and we know the state bears grudges. That’s why people are behind bars today that was arrested during campaigns in 2020 and never been released to this day. It is just the way the regime operates in regard to Bobi Wine.

That’s why today is just a symbol of his rise to power and popularity. If they didn’t fear him. They wouldn’t act this way. If his voice didn’t matter, they wouldn’t send squadrons and officers in this manner. Therefore, we know Bobi Wine is important and is well regarded. That his political ambition and message is heard.

It is just tragic and we can wonder what excuses that will come next. We know that there will be MPs on bonds and Journalists too. Activists that will fight to be released, but will linger in jail because of today. That’s just normalcy under this regime. We have seen it before and it just continues…

It is tiring and exhausting, especially when the authorities could just let a man travel home. However, that’s too much to ask. Peace.

Bobi Wine’s Return: The arrest on the tarmac of Entebbe and whisked away to his home..

Today, as the scheduled arrival from the diaspora, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was arrested as he entered the soil at Entebbe International Airport. While roads have been blocked, MPs arrested, journalists arrested and other parts of the nation under siege.

The headquarters of National Unity Platform (NUP) been besieged. The home of Bobi Wine has been the same. Roads been put on roadblocks and opposition politicians has either been blocked from entering Entebbe or arrested on the spot. The authorities in full ammo and prepared to be hostile.

The 1 million march to Entebbe never happened. There was no joy or celebration. Only a massive appearance of security forces, which was prepared and ready. These have been ordered out in the streets. They have been checking every car destined for Entebbe. The area was also under black-out and clearly the state had no plan of giving Bobi Wine a safe journey home. No, they whisked him away and at the moment nobody knows where his at.

We can just speculate what reasons they will give. They cannot say he did some “offensive communication” or “incited to violence”. Because, the most violent ones was the security operatives who went after activists, journalists and MPs today and yesterday. They used violence and brutally went after the ones mobilizing the citizens to go to Entebbe.

By all means, we know the Police Force will fear-monger and they do so on the regular. They will pin something on Bobi Wine and the NUP. That is by default and they need an “excuse” for the arrest. Even if they are taking from it thin-air and with no justifiable reason to do so. There will be some lingering threat or facing judgement that makes no common sense. That’s because there was no common sense in acting this way either.

The arrest of Bobi Wine and others only shows how the state is lacking popularity. How it cannot contain and control everything. The regime is fearing that someone else is the star. They cannot accept that Bobi Wine is a political figure and with a reasonable popularity behind him. As they arrest civilians, politicians and journalists to silence the critics.

There are reports that after the arrest of Bobi Wine the security officers dropped him at his home in Magere, Wakiso District. That was done as anticipated, but not without ruffing up the security guards he has at his gates. They had to send a message and brutalize people even further. Just to prove their point. Just like when they confiscated journalists gear and arrested them for following the return of Bobi Wine today. It just shows how these things are and where the regime is at.

The ones defending this will find any excuse in book. We have heard it all before and this isn’t the first time the authorities of the Republic does this. No, they have done it before and we have heard the stories. It happened to Besigye and now it happens to Bobi Wine. The same ills of society returns and Bobi Wine just proves his power. When they have to turn up like this.

The current regime is showing its weakness and lack of sensibilities when it acts like this. It doesn’t have a heart or cautious mind. Just pure vile brutality and lack of self-control. As it takes a civilian and his associates as petty chicken thieves. Arresting and detaining people on the whims. That’s what they do and this is just showing the sinister side of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). As they are accepting the oppression and silencing of its critics. Peace.

Opinion: The danger of Bobi Wine’s return…

Tomorrow after visiting the diaspora and been active abroad, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine returns. There been planned march to welcome him home this time around. He has before travelled across the continent and overseas without any sort of action. Maybe because of the suspension of the mobilization tour and authorities ring-fencing him. The National Unity Platform (NUP) sought to use this strategy to show his popularity.

Certainly, the authorities are on alert. They have already arrested people in Wakiso, Entebbe and in the Greater Kampala Area. That’s all happening on the day before his arrival. It is just like the idea of showing up and greeting Bobi Wine is illegal. Just like they made it illegal to wear the red berets. Everything Bobi Wine and the NUP touches becomes a criminal activity. If not “terrorists” shows up and becomes a sudden threat to their existence.

Surely, the Kampala Metropolitan Police will be busy tomorrow as they are blocking the roads in a common fashion around Kololo Independence Grounds, as the President and fellow dignitaries are celebrating another “special day” there. That just happens to coincide with when Bobi Wine returns. We know that the President doesn’t want to share the spotlight or the stage with any other fellow. Therefore, we should expect the following tomorrow.

When Bobi Wine enters Entebbe from the plane. He will be whisked away into a “drone” and be silently taken away to another police post. Where his arrested “pre-emptively” to safeguard the community and “himself”. While they will say he did some “bad communication” or caused “havoc”. Either way they will leave him there for a few hours.

Later they will take him into another vehicle and transport him directly to his home in Magere, Wakiso district. Where there will be ready road-blocks and such all the way to Kampala. They will be in preparation for his return. As if he was an arch nemesis and a convicted felon. That’s what is coming for him. They will later address the fact and say his house arrested and not allowed to leave his home.

That’s what I am anticipating out of this. There is to much noise and the authorities will shut it down. It causes pain and suffering for the ones on top. They cannot accept this and Bobi Wine is just a nuance to them. The President is preparing his speech and fellow dignitaries the photo-shoots to look smart. They don’t need Bobi Wine to destroy the party and the festivities. No, they need to bash in glory and let the peasants do what they do…

We should anticipate more arrests, more kidnappings and sudden “drones” appearing in the next 48 hours. As the state is on high alert. They are not letting this one slide. It is like there is a will and way to just take people into custody. Just to prove a point and make their political activism illegal. That’s really it. Peace.

Obusinga wa Rwenzururu has returned, but the ones lost isn’t forgotten about just yet…

After close to seven years of no occupancy, the once glamorous palace of the Obusinga wa Rwenzururu lies in ruins. Overgrown grass and dilapidated structures are what Charles Wesley Mumbere found when he returned to his kingdom” (NBS Television, 04.10.2023).

The day of the 27th November 2016 will not be lost on us. As the mass-graves was hastily built and the people who killed was buried. The Buhikira Royal Palace was burned down, while Royal Guards and others was killed. As the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Special Forces Command (SFC) had “shoot to kill” orders, as they where trailing the “Kirumamutima” aka “The Strong Hearted” and even the ones that was supposed to work for the “Yiira Republic”. Which all has ceased and never heard of since the day of the massacre in Kasese.

The culprits and the ones in-charge on that lethal day has been living lavish. They have gotten promoted and gotten into good graces with the government. While the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu and 217 others was kept behind bars for years. They were all charged with serious offences and blocked from being on bond. Some died behind bars as the years went on from 2016… and that just show the sinister side of all this. People didn’t just die on that one day, but other victims happened later as a consequence of the brutality of the state.

That’s why it is hard to celebrate today. I see the pictures and the crowds celebrating the Kings return to Kasese. That’s all long overdue and the charges pinned on him was all “political”. It was done to undermine the Rwenzururu and the Rwenzori sub-region, which has for the most part voted for the opposition of late. Therefore, to take down the King would be a fitting message from the authorities.

They used a “terrorist” threat and “insurgency” as a way of masking their own interests in Kasese. That’s who defended their atrocities and massive murder spree. The November Day in 2016 will be forever marked in memory. As the burning palace and the knowledge of a massacre went down, which have never gotten rectified. There been no honest investigation or arrests of the ones who ordered it. That’s because this was accepted and done so from the top. The victims became the “culprits” and the “criminals” while the actual ones are left off the hook. That’s the double tragedy here…

That’s why it’s not strange that the King comes back to a destroyed court. His palace is gone and whatever that remains is only a faded memory. As he has been years in exile and in prison. Him and his fellow guards all suffered. Not only the lives of loved ones, but also loss of ordinary life. They couldn’t return or rebuild. These people was stuck in prison and couldn’t fix things again. The victims couldn’t mourn or even try to grief. They were in a legal jeopardy and seemingly there was no return in sight.

We know the Generals involved will not be touched. They are above it all and so is anyone else. Therefore, a real investigation could only happen after a transition of power and possible new leadership of the Republic. Because, the current one doesn’t targets its own and the ones loyal to its causes. That’s why we know the ones behind Kasese massacre of 2016 gets away with it. Not because its righteous or fair. No, because of titles and statures within the regime.

A regime that don’t mind the killing, murder or massacre to stay in power. It sent a signal and a region was hurt. A region that is still hurting and without answers. They deserve it, but will not get it currently. That would undermine the powerful ones today and the ones who wants to be in power tomorrow. Peace.

Democratic Party (DP): DP to Challenge the High Court Ruling in a Case filed by a Disqualified Candidate for Secretary General (26.09.2023)

Opinion: Mao was the NBS Frontline “President” and not the DP….

This is to inform all DP members and the public at large that according to Justice Philip Odoki’s judgement in his order No.2, DP’s pre-prepared NEC in Gulu in 2020 is illegal, this means there is no NEC right now.. This is a very good development members opposed to Mao’ CA” (Democratic Party, 26.09.2023).

Time is a wasting. Norbert Mao who has been in-charge of the Democratic Party since 2010 and in his third term he should know the Party Constitution and be able to adhere to that. Especially, as a mindful individual and an educated lawyer from Makerere University.

You would think that such a bloke would have the finesse and the ability to steer the ship correctly. That he should know how to cross the murky waters and get the ship into safe-haven. However, today it’s proven that he was living on a lie.

Norbert Mao was willing to trade his legacy, integrity and the party he was bestowed to get a ministerial post in a National Resistance Movement (NRM) government. That’s what he was willing to do. This is why he didn’t inform or do the talks internally before signing the “no surprises” agreement with Museveni. It was all done, because he knew he couldn’t defend or be able to sell it internally in the DP.

That’s why we are here today… we are here because someone who likes to talk high and mighty. Someone who pinned and looked after faults in the rest of the opposition. Regardless of the shady and mischievous action within his own party. Mao is showing his character and why his fitting to dine with Museveni now.

We know Mao went after Bobi Wine and the National Unity Platform (NUP). He claimed he had evidence and proof of illegal activity. That Bobi Wine and the new leadership conned themselves into office and stole the party from the founders. While there is a clever paper-trail and obvious facts to what went down. Therefore, Mao was a fool on this one and he should have looked into the mirror himself.

That’s what is so shocking here. A man who was elected to the same role in 2010 and 2015. He wasn’t capable to do the same thing in 2020. A guy that knew the drill and had succeeded twice couldn’t pull it of a third time. That is saying something… we know he failed to register properly for the 2016 elections too. So, there is a sort of a pattern, but still… the brother should have been able to follow Party Constitution and Protocol when coming to his third re-election bid. Seriously, this is disappointing.

In 2023 he got the title, the office and the prestige of Minister. However, his reputation and skill-sets can be put into question now. It’s a reason why he haven’t achieved anything and is just all talk… well.. that’s all he did as a fraudulent Party President too. He sat down on NBS Frontline and talked big game, but had nothing to back it up. A man who called Besigye a serial looser, but he himself cannot even win a fair fight internally. That’s a compelling story and a giant fall-off from the sort of well-mannered individual…

Mao traded everything for a few tokens of silver. He has not only sold his own name, but his party. In two instances he have accepted to soil them both and done so willingly. Just so he capitalize and get an envelope for good behaviour. It is just depressing and he did so to one of the oldest parties in the Republic. That’s what he did and he didn’t even flinch.

The DP Party haven’t only fallen from greatness, but Mao is a sorry excuse of a man. Peace.