Uganda: Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) – Press Statement on the Current Onward Movers of Refugees between Uganda – Kenya and the Action being Taken by hte Department of Refugees (26.07.2023)

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni letter to Minister of Justice and Consitutional Affairs Norbert Mao – Continous Wrong Turns at Historical Road Junctions (22.07.2023)

Uganda: National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) – Update on the Media Blackout on Government Activities (21.07.2023)

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC): The Sad an Unfortunate Incident at FDC Premises on 20th July, 2023 (20.07.2023)

Opinion: The FDC is in a free-fall

The speed and levels of betrayals of the party is astonishing. The approach of the leadership, the arrogance and the actions speaks louder than words. The Party President and Secretary General has to answer for it all eventually. This is a hostile takeover and will have prolonged ramifications.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) as we know seems to be lost. The party which was noble, fierce and directly opposing the regime isn’t all there. Especially, when the Headquarters are sealed off, a National Chairman not allowed to speak to the press and journalists are beaten around the gates. This sort of siege is only like the ones we are accustomed to when IGP Kale Kayihura entered the HQ and took seized goods belonging to the party. Now it was internally driven and hired people from the “kingmakers” of the party.

Alas, here is where the trouble remains. The Party President, Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Secretary General Nathan Nandala-Mafabi are inconsistent in their story telling and also in their defences. It doesn’t make sense. And when things doesn’t make sense, they are most likely not true. Their confidentiality excuse isn’t carrying them either. Especially when these two are tarnishing every name in the book and mocking the party they are a part of.

The FDC deserves better than this. To die in your movie is stupid, but that is what these gentlemen did. They didn’t even have to become Caesar and get betrayed by Brutus. No, they just did it on their own self like some kamikaze pilots. It’s hard to believe, but that’s what they are doing.

The grieving party who are on rescue mission is there for reason. Not that it seems to matter at this point. The ones in-charge who are not taking them into account. Is pushing for a forced election and hoping to get away with it. This is initially causing more internal strife and possibility of more damage to the party.

This time it will be even more dire than the campaign to oust Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu as the incumbent Party President. This Party President isn’t up to it and is even trying to distance himself from the people and the second power-house in the party, which is at the Katonga Road. Therefore, POA should be gracious with it, but instead acts like its a problem now. That’s because the same people that stood behind in 2017 is now asking or rhetorically questioning their actions. While they are not having it…

Today’s actions on radio, NBS Frontline and most sincerely at HQ are distressing. The gentlemen in power are jaded and disingenuous. This week has been detrimental to how people perceive FDC. The FDC I knew and saw from afar is lost. The moment the National Chairman after being held hostage for hours has to flee with a ladder and over the wall of the premise. That is a scene out of movie and we know who the villains are this time.

Today could have been better. However, things are just getting worse. The leadership of the FDC isn’t sound or a unison collective. No, it is two camps and one trying to sideline everyone else. Without considering the implications of doing so. Especially when the one camp doing came to power through it and got it’s blessing. However, all of these years down the line. That isn’t mattering and both of the gentlemen are trying to tarnish and distort the legacy of Besigye within the party. A man who they where lucky to be associated with at one point or another. Therefore, this is really infuriating.

It is a reason why plenty are writing R.I.P. FDC and calling today it’s death. That’s tragic really, but just like Reform Agenda ceased to operate. Maybe the FDC should too and they should either create other parties or deflect elsewhere. Since their home is burning and there is no sound mind to stop it or extinguish the fire. They are just letting the fire-sale go off and hope they don’t get burned.

As bad as today was and feels. There are always hope, though the glimmer of hope with FDC is getting faded. The party aren’t what it used to be and the leadership aren’t to be trusted. I admired this party and the leaders of it. They got me typing day in and day out. That’s why it feels sad to see this party play it out this way. FDC lost track of its role and ambition, and possibly sold out for a few shillings. That’s sad, but life too. Greed and power corrupts… and that can happen anywhere. Peace.

Opinion: Besigye was a voice of reason, while POA and Nandala-Mafabi went personal…

Let us interrogate why Museveni would want to fund his opponents. Museveni knows that there is no power in Parliament; in fact, he wants us to be in Parliament to legitimize Parliament provided we do not seek to remove him; provided we are a good Opposition, he wants us in Parliament. Museveni wants to fund an impotent opposition. He also doesn’t want the Opposition groups to link up. He wants opposition groups to fight each other and he is behind the feuds among opposition parties” – Dr. Kizza Besigye (18.07.2023).

We have received information about the funders of the Nsambya meeting from suspicious sources. All the people who contributed to that meeting have never contributed to the well-being of FDC” – Patrick Oboi Amuriat (19.07.2023).

Today there was two Press Conferences in regard to the wrangles in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). One Press Conference was held at Najjanankumbi and the other at PG Headquarters at Katonga Road. This means the two sides of the wrangle held their presser and told their sides without being together. It just shows how the FDC is drifting apart…

What was striking today was how Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Nathan Nandala-Mafabi went personal. They went directly to attack everyone on the other side. Instead of answering the grievances they went after the ones questioning the inner-circle of power within the FDC.

It is clear that the ones in the offices of Najjanankumbi isn’t listening or even considering the implications of the allegations put toward them. While the other party was addressing things in another manner and even enlightening. That’s shows the difference between Besigye and Amuriat or Mafabi for that matter.

I am disappointed by what came from Najjanankumbi today. They are trying to tarnish Besigye now. Because, he questions funding and they even said his was at fault or left Amuriat behind in the 2021 elections. It just shows that the leadership aren’t accountable for their own actions. There are even allegations of how they act like big-men and get other honourables to bend their knees for a possibility to be a flag-bearer or be on the FDC ticket. If that is true, than the culture of FDC is eroding and people are lavishing in the internal power.

 

That’s why this power struggle is important. The ones blaming or looking sideways at Erias Lukwago now is foolish. That is making him a fall-guy because what happened in the Democratic Party (DP) when he was there. If you do this, then you are window-dressing and not seeing the context is different from Lukwago within the FDC. He has to answer accordingly in the FDC in comparison to the DP. It is a reason why he left the DP and later became a part of the FDC. That’s was on the merits of the party and the allegiance he has with Besigye.

In regard to all of this, as the Ssemujju, Mwijyke, Byamugisha and Besigye is all trying to do a rescue of the party. Nandala-Mafabi is dancing on the grave of the party. As he wrote and said this about the matter:

Let us also go back to the memory lane. During the 2006, 2011 and 2016 general elections, Dr. Kiiza Besigye as a presidential candidate was funded. We also went ahead and funded all the activism activities. All these were in billions of shillings but no one ever dared to inquire into the source of the money. We sourced for these funds legally and made these activities possible. In 2021 when Hon. Amuriat contested, we did the same sourcing of funds and made the campaigns possible. Why then is it a problem now when Hon. Amuriat is in the picture, but was never an issue then when we had Dr Kiiza Besigye as our presidential candidate?” (Nandala-Mafabi, 19.07.2023).

This is what the FDC Headquarters decided to do. It is the choice of the Secretary General and Party President to act like this. Instead of being transparent or accountable. They are instead trying to tarnish the founder and the former Presidential Candidate. The man who coined the People’s Government and People’s President. He who stood tall from the times of Reform Agenda and was a vital part of the creation of the FDC. That man is Nandala-Mafabi and Amuriat attacking. Like we don’t know Besigye or his story to this day?

Why can’t the current leadership show the funding and the paper-trail of finances in regard to the General Elections of 2021? What is so dangerous about doing so? Where did the money go and what was the plan?

Did POA go Barefoot to mock the struggle and use it as a trick to eat? Did the other FDC high ranking officials partake in it and endured everything while steadily attacking National Unity Platform (NUP) instead of going after National Resistance Movement (NRM). That’s what is bugging plenty of us and non of this was answered.

POA was just a static noise and disrespectful of others. He didn’t ooze charisma or anything. When he says the participants didn’t contribute to the FDC. Who is he to say that? Byamugisha, Nyanjura or a Ssemujju has done more than most. They haven’t been historicals or resting on their laurels. No, these are people who has stood tall and they are loyal to Besigye. That’s what hurts Amuriat or Mafabi, as they will never be regarded like him. These two speaks of sacrifices, but it is not like they built the party from scratch either. There was plenty of allies and former FDC high ranking officials who has done so. It just shows what happens and how things has eroded.

POA also said it was a trouble to have two headquarters, as if he would be in office without the PG Headquarters. He needed the support and wouldn’t have gotten into the Presidency of FDC without the hardliners surrounding Besigye. That’s why POA should reconsider how he was elected in 2017. The way he went into office will also be the way that possibly takes him out too. Because he has no subtle way or ideals to consider other ways of moving. That’s why the Besigye advice of changing ways or strategically reconfigure the party has been dismissed.

I’m sad for the FDC. This is a party that I was admiring and cherishing from afar. They where a promising unit and seemingly a difference from the NRM. Nevertheless, it seems to be all gone and on the deathbed. The leadership of FDC rather wants to tarnish and go after one of the key founders like Besigye. Than be accountable or transparent… and this party will always cry out loud for the government to be so…

POA and Nandala-Mafabi has to consider their next steps. This Press Conference was doing them no good. Neither was the publishing of their statement. It is just showing how they are not up for the leadership roles and to carry the greatness of the FDC. They are not proper custodians of this party, but instead enjoy the perks and privileges of being “opposition” in the Republic. That’s just sad… and the FDC deserves much better. Peace.

Opinion: The FDC wrangles will only devalue the party even further…

I cannot be party to a process that is going to install a ‘Mao-like’ leadership whose main objective is to carry the party to Museveni” – Ibrahim Ssemujju MP (NBS Television, 17.07.2023).

FDC party leaders have ordered Kira Municipality MP and FDC party Spokesperson to apologize for holding an illegal assembly. The leaders want Ssemujju to step down as party Spokesperson for what has been deemed indiscipline” (NBS Television, 17.07.2023).

I have been betrayed by my leader, and since I’m a fighter, you cannot betray me, and I keep quiet otherwise, the money that is being talked about, the treasurer should know, but the treasurer does not know where the money came from. The money did not reach Najjanankumbi?” (Francis Mwijuke, 17.07.2023).

Am happy to have been present during the consultative meeting by FDC members.

We love the FDC party more than we love our dia leaders.

We can therefore afford to sacrifice a member or a leader in office for the sake of keeping the party on course” (Moses Byamugisha, 17.07.2023).

Today is a sad day for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). No matter where you stand politically. The former opposition powerhouse is in self-destruction mode. I felt the party got hit badly enough by the “New Formation” and the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). That split between Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu and the Dr. Kizza Besigye fraction was hitting the FDC too. As the moderates left and the ones who stood by Muntu went to ANT.

Now, it seems to be a brewing battle between a bunch of high ranking officials within the party. One part is the Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Nathan Nandala -Mafabi. These to have allegedly accepted funds from directly from Museveni, which cannot be traced.

That is being said a group lead by Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju. Togetehre with Erias Lukwago, Doreen Nyanjura, Francis Mwijuke and Moses Byamugisha to name a few. It is obvious there is a big split now. As the FDC Electoral Road Map has been altered and questioned, yet again.

There is certain thing at play here. It is succession and possible people seeking to retain their offices. While others have bargained in the past for a better role. Therefore, there are a lot of possible allies and intrigue to be created. Several of people who has forged alliances and positioned themselves accordingly.

That’s why this could possibly damage the party more than when Muntu left the fold. If the ones having a National Consultative Meeting today starts a fresh or deflects to other parties. The FDC is losing valuable characters and people who has stood tall for the party for years. Except Lukwago who came from the DP recently. Though he has been a Besigye ally for years.

Some just seeing it as Mafabi’s time to run for Presidency. It’s his time after Amuriat and others wants to jump the queue. However, that isn’t far fetched, but speaking of moles and possible bribes from Museveni says there is more underneath all of this. The same was done with Muntu and his choices as a leader. Therefore, we should hope for better, but that’s too much to ask.

If certain high ranking officials leaves the party. It is all up to them to do so. However, they will have to find a new home and security, which they have today. They are established people within the party and would need time to be as respected or as influential outside. That’s what Muntu and his peers have found out.

Time will tell, but this is only beginning. This is a battle of power, prestige and possible future gravitas. That’s why they are doing this and they are trying to see who can end up supreme. Peace.

Opinion: Does the Speaker have the authority to summon other high ranking officials into an ad hoc meeting?

“The speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among has summoned the minister of works and transport, the Uganda Police, the leader of opposition in parliament and other stakeholders for an emergency meeting over worsening road crashes” (Daily Monitor, 13.07.2023).

Today there was a populist move by the Speaker of the 11th Parliament, Anita Among. She summoned in several leaders for a meeting, because of the recent car accidents. Instead of calling into a debate in a plenary or adopt motions in the House. She called a meeting… and I don’t see how she could or have the ability to do so…

“7. General Authority of the Speaker

(1) The Speaker shall preside at any sitting of the House.

(2) The Speaker shall preserve order and decorum in the House and shall decide questions of order and practice.

(3) In deciding a point of order or practice, the Speaker shall state reasons for the decision and shall cite any rule of procedure or other applicable authority.

(4) The Speaker may invite submissions from Members but no debate shall ensue.

(5) The Speaker may decline debate on any contribution” (RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE 11TH PARLIAMENT).

The ideals of the meeting and summons are fine in itself, but the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja should feel betrayed. Other High-Ranking Officials should feel the pinch too. All of these appointed leaders have been downgraded and flower-girls in comparison to the Speaker.

The Speaker is going outside her mandate and her role as the Speaker. She doesn’t have the authority or mandate to do this. Among might think she’s that influential or has the power to do so. However, that isn’t her role, and she should beg for motions to move in a plenary session. She shouldn’t participate or take part in government business. Because that is what she did by calling or summoning the people for this meeting.

Even if this is the result of the meeting: “As a mid-term intervention to curb road accidents, the stakeholders have agreed to reintroduce mandatory motor vehicle inspection” (Parliament of Uganda, 13.07.2023).

The Speaker shouldn’t have done this and there should have been others who has the initial mandate or role to do so. She has overstretched her place and abilities. The Speaker should consider herself lucky because other places this could have consequences. That had been normal to call her out and question her reasons to do so.

The Speaker is the Speaker and not the Officer of the Government. Neither is she the most powerful government official. The President has delegated his powers and appointed a cabinet. There Vice-Presidents and a Prime Minister. Even Deputy Prime Ministers who could fit the bill. Alas, that is apparently not the case.

There are plenty leaders and high ranking officials should feel troubled by this action. If this set the precedence than they are obsolete and busy-bodies. As the Speaker is taking their place and orders people around without the mandate or authority to do so. That’s why it’s impressive that she gets away with it… Peace.

Opinion: Akena Vs. Museveni – Who is telling the truth?

“We don’t have anything signed. I always tell people that UPC has nothing signed with the NRM and we are free to carry out our activities” – James Akena (10.07.2023).

“Congratulations to our allies, the UPC and for the candidate, Eunice Apio, for winning the Oyam by-elections. Congratulations also to the NRM and the candidate Engola Junior because the difference between the two was very small” (Museveni, 07.07.2023).

We have seen how the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) operated in and around the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ahead of the General Elections in 2016. Later we have seen how meagre and silently the party has moved on a national level. It isn’t like the UPC have renegaded or acted in spite of the NRM. No, it is having been friendly and done so by a large extent over the years.

The story that Akena tells on NBS Television is in stark contrast to what Museveni wrote after the Oyam North By-Election. These words cannot co-exist. The UPC is either in an alliance with the NRM or it isn’t.

We know the UPC can work with and has been in partnership with the NRM before the 2016 General Elections. However, what is happening now in 2023 that’s another ballgame. While the UPC will be questioned, and we know they are familiar. Since, the wife of Akena, Betty Amongi is a cabinet member and a UPC MP. She is planning also to cross over to the NRM. Like plenty of other high-ranking officials, which has been purged from the UPC to the NRM. It wouldn’t be a historical achievement, but still a sign of how close the UPC and the NRM are at the moment.

It isn’t strange that the UPC wants to act independent. The UPC can see how the DP and Norbert Mao is seen. That vision and that sort of arrangement is costing in public. They are becoming cronies and part of the government by default. Instead of being defiant or in opposition. That is directly supporting the vile, the oppressive and the dark sides of the NRM. Which DP or UPC really doesn’t want to support, especially when it wants to be seen as different than the regime.

Jimmy Akena wants to save face. The writing of Museveni is hurting him and his “independence”. Though he must go home to his wife, which is part of the cabinet and the inner circle. That’s why its hard to believe the hostilities… or the defiance, if there are any in general. Because would Akena talk ill of the man that his wife is siding with? Would you believe that or think that is wise?

That’s just how small the world is and how close associates’ things are in politics. The UPC can try to profile itself as independent and opposition. However, there been enough people fleeing the ship or suddenly becoming NRM to question the closeness between the parties.

We still don’t have the proper answer, but here is something going on between the parties. If it wasn’t, certain individuals wouldn’t consider to move parties. That’s a gist of things and that’s something the UPC have to live with. The questions would be asked and I don’t know if we will know the truth.

That’s why we should wonder why Museveni would lie about the alliance. When he doesn’t even need the UPC. He can only use them as pawns and as a historical factor, which he overcame. This might also be a factor to why Akena tries to act so independent and downplay whatever agreement or coalition they have. Because it weakens him and his ideals. It isn’t like he has vied for the highest office or challenged the NRM in any way since 2016. That is what is telling and shows there is something going on. Unless the UPC is that weak and cannot show old glory in this day or age. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s get-rich schemes haven’t reached the North…

In Oyam, I drove for 27kms, from Col. Engola’s home to Icheme and to Otwal, looking at the different sides of the road. I only saw some little patches of Muhogo (cassava) and maize. That is why at Otwal, I asked the question: “Cente (sente), tye kwene?”- “From where do you get money?” What has Operation Wealth Creation been doing in that area? No coffee, no fruits, no poultry, no piggery, no dairy and no fish farming. In otherwords, no PDM. As I told the Oyam People, I am going back in August to get an answer to that question. The chairman, told me about watermelons and soya beans. Those are not part of the activities for PDM. What is the cura (Kibaro)?” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 07.07.2023).

We all knew this was coming. It isn’t shocking or surprising really… Oyam North or Oyam district in the Lango region. Most likely what the President saw in Oyam, he could have seen in Kitgum, Pader, Lira, Gulu or Karamoja sub-region for that matter.

The issue of lacking government services and proper state functions are surely found all around the Great North. That isn’t just in the heart of Lango sub-region. No, that could be seen in the West Nile, Acholi, Karamjo and in Lango. All of these places are lacking and the micro-money schemes of the government has clearly not hit these regions as intended.

That the President says he didn’t see any OWC is telling. That means the Office of the Prime Minister over the years has failed. Secondly, it means that General Salim Selah haven’t done his duty or what he was intended to do.

We cannot be shocked that the OWC has failed and that the Paris Development Model (PDM) haven’t reached Oyam. That’s just a mere reflection of how the implementation of the state works at this time. It just shows how the central region is feeling it and maybe parts of the West and the East is eating of the plate. However, it takes more to get to the North.

What is funny about all this is that the state had a four day training of SACCO leaders and Community Development Officers in April 2023. However, those days earlier in the year haven’t brought any results or significant change. Which is why the President wants answers after seeing the failure of his prestigious government scheme…

The President has without a doubt cast doubt about his own efficiency and the output of his government. When he unequally states the lack of OWC and the PDM in Oyam. It is telling the world that his government has mismanaged it and haven’t succeeded. That’s a self-own and most likely not intended to be this way. However, that is how it can be perceived.

The ones who has followed knew the OWC and the PDM would fail. The NRM and Museveni would tell another story. Regardless of that… the truth is setting you free and the grim realities of Oyam is telling. This isn’t the only district or constituency where these schemes hasn’t worked. If you went anywhere in the North. I am sure it has never succeeded.

Most likely in any up-country place in the East or West the same results would be prevalent. Museveni and his micro-money schemes are nice for campaigns and a cheap trick to fool voters. However, it isn’t creating the needed development or the structure to change the economy. Peace.