Opinion: Mzee you cannot fool us now…

From the beginning we were telling you we are here for your good. I am not here looking for anything because I have got everything in my home. I have my cows and I’m not getting anything from the government. Even when we were fighting Idi Amin, we were not looking for anything personal” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (04.07.2023).

Maybe you could fool most people in the 1980s and in the 1990s. After the 2000s it became more hectic and after 2010s. Well, things has changed and after 2020… the whole charade is already over and the dogmatic stances of the National Resistance Army (NRA) and early National Resistance Movement (NRM) has become pointless.

President Museveni cannot sell this story anymore. His to wealthy, to rich and has vast fortunes. While his family is living lavish of the state coffers. The State House budget, the Office of the President and other confidential budgets are awash of slush funds for the President to spend. Meanwhile the enterprises, the businesses and the dealings from within is enriching him too.

So, the humble humility of the past isn’t believable. It doesn’t matter if he only traditional foods or wear only three pairs of knickers. Well, he might have a relaxed relations with his tailor too. Regardless, he has a budget and funds of abundance. He can spend like no tomorrow and the state reserves covers up the shortfall. That’s his gig and he can lie about it, but it doesn’t make it true.

That’s why these words to the people of Oyam North is false. We know and he knows it too. He just have to sound like the humble revolutionary and the average man. While his living the life of a billionaire and having luxuries, which others would die for. That’s why his convoy is so pristine and he has guns by a dozen around him at all times. He got to be guarded, his not only the Head of State, but the wealthiest man of the nation.

President Museveni and his family is the riches. They own the Republic and they eat from everything. They own farms, businesses and whatnot all around. There isn’t anywhere on the map in the Republic where the family of Museveni isn’t involved. It isn’t for a reason that the close kitchen cabinet and the family affairs becomes hectic or even turns into a national spectacle. That’s because their vast influence is everywhere. That’s done on purpose and for private profits.

The President can speak softly and say these things aren’t personal. However, he wouldn’t have fought in the bush or did the war, if it didn’t benefit him or his allies. That’s what it has done and the elite surrounding him is all anointed by him. Therefore, to say these things without hesitation says it all. This is who Museveni is and what his willing to say.

He wants to preserve an image that is long gone. His not the humble dude in the 1980s and fresh out of warfare. No, his a man who is in his advanced age and who has prospered under his own reign. The Republic haven’t developed in the same manner, but that wasn’t the point either. He has secured his family and his clan for generations. That’s what he has done…

We know better and he should know better too. However, we know he won’t adhere or listen to that. His to deluded to think otherwise. The delusion is real and he still thinks his a barefoot soldier coming from the bush. While his a wealthy man whose richer than god, telling poor people to live within their means. That’s what he does and he does it proudly too. Peace.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni letter to Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke – “Brief on Bukedea District Chairperson BY – Election held on 14th June 2023 (26.06.2023)

Mabaati Scandal: The big fish is off the hook…

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) discontinued the prosecution of ministers and other top officials implicated in the iron sheets saga following the intervention of President Museveni, the Kampala Report has learnt. On Saturday, DPP Jane Frances Abodo said she had closed 17 files on the theft and diversion of iron sheets meant for Karamoja after they found that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed with 17 case files of suspects. This means Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and Speaker of Parliament Anita Among who had been implicated, will not be prosecuted” (Mike Opio – ‘REVEALED: More details emerge on why DPP dropped charges against Nabbanja, Alupo, Among in iron sheets scandal’ 25.06.2023, The Kampala Report).

You cannot make this stuff up, but it is apparently the case. The DPP is not charging several high-ranking officials. That means what we all suspected that some Ministers and people within the Office of the Prime Minster (OPM) would be the fall-guys or the ones that has to fall on the sword to let other off the hook.

This is the National Resistance Movement (NRM) after all. The famous NRM Way and its guidance to control and besiege power. That’s why the Vice President, Prime Minister and Speaker doesn’t get challenged or arraigned in Courts.

The Junior Ministers and low hanging fruits like Agnes Nandutu, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Amos Lugoloobi. Where all implicated and arraigned in the courts. While we are seeing others getting off the case and don’t have to answer for their actions.

It is very telling that there are certain people who can avoid the law and law enforcement. While others can be implicated, indicted, and charged over the same matter. It just shows how frail and personalized the law enforcement is.

The law and the codes of law should be blind to an individual. The Courts should arraign anyone involved no matter their position or office. Especially, if Rule of Law exists and is a given.

The Mabaati was stolen and didn’t go where it was intended to be. The Ministers and High-Ranking Officials took it for personal benefits. If it was to serve their constituencies or directly build on own properties. It doesn’t really matter, because the iron sheets were destined for Karamoja sub-region and not wherever the high-ranking officials reside.

This scandal just proves what we already knew and how the NRM operates. The NRM and the President speaks loud against corruption. However, when it is their own who does it… it just doesn’t matter and ceases to exist. That’s what they do, and the people are suffering. The NRM is there to eat, and they do it in plenty fold.

The public coffers are a slush-fund, and the development projects are excuses to find a decent meal. That’s how things are looking, and this isn’t good PR. Especially, if the NRM wants donors or want to build public trust. It is shattering how little concern they have for their own activities and looting. For everyone looking, it’s just another day and another scandal for the whole world to see. Peace.

Opinion: We knew PM Nabbanja wasn’t prepared or ready to be the PM

“Amongi, who spoke to media in an interview said they had a candid discussion about their roles in cabinet. “We met in the corridors of Parliament and she (Nabbanja) told me that she does not know anything about the duties of a prime minister. She told me she informed the president (Museveni) about the same but he asked her to be at ease,” says Amongi. “She says the president told her that all her speeches and documents will be written by a tecnical team that shall be given to her on request. She says the president told her she will only be reading what is availed to her on paper,” she adds” (Emmanuel Busingye – ‘“Nabbanja didn’t know roles of Prime Minister,” says Amongi’ 22.06.2023, Ekyooto.co.uk).

Hon. Betty Amongi have been really liberated her mouth to the press these days. First undermining other ministers and telling they only do speeches. To now tell that the Prime Minister wasn’t prepared or ready for her office.

No, one is shocked or in awe that Robinah Nabbanja wasn’t ready to be a Prime Minister. She isn’t that clever or that wise. Neither does she have vast experience or been in other positions that makes you believe she is fitted for it.

What Amongi is saying is that she is just doing what she’s ordered to do. Meaning she isn’t directing or running the Office of the Prime Minister. No, she is occupying it and have the title, but technocrats or bureaucrats are fixing the gig. While she is enjoying the perks and the honour of the office.

PM Nabbanja can also work with ease, as she has three deputies and some of them have long experience in government. Therefore, she can be a ceremonial PM and a face of the Government. Even if she doesn’t do much or even can fulfil the needs of her office. Because there is a massive workload and responsibilities of the OPM. That has been since the days of Mbabazi… and it has ballooned since then.

We can all act like this is funny and that Museveni appointed a clueless person on a whim. It has been done so the OPM is controlled by others and Nabbanja is only doing what is ordered to do or say. She is capable of acting in public, but behind closed doors her staff is directing her every move. That must be depressing, as she has finally reached the pivotal role and gained the prestige. However, she is not to be trusted and only do as she is told.

For a grown woman and a MP that must be disappointing. She isn’t trusted to function or have the oversight. Everything will just be fixed and she will walk in to prepared rooms. She don’t have to cook or clean, the events are there and she just have to utter prepared speeches. Nabbanja don’t even need to think, but just act upon request.

This is how Museveni micro-manage and has a stranglehold on government. That’s why there is little to no good news. Because he even has staff to fix everything for the PM. She don’t have to think or consider anything.

Nabbanja can just walk into the office and be told what to do. Then she does it and call it a night. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee don’t need working ministers…

“I was speaking to one of the ministers…he was joking with me and said when he was appointed a minister, he asked HE the President:   ‘What is the role of a minister now that you have appointed me?’ The President said: ‘Do not worry, yours…they write for you a speech. Just go and deliver, but make sure you have delivered it well,” Betty Amongi,Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development” (Daily Monitor, 22.06.2023).

If you ever wondered why certain ministers in the 80 Ministers cabinet, one Vice-President, one Prime Minister and three Deputy Prime Ministers. There is a reason why so many heads and offices exist. They are there to “deliver” speeches, but not sure of their roles. That isn’t strange either…

The cabinet is filled with duplications and massive undertaking of mandates. While several are under same portfolio and could practically serve the same purposes. In addition there are other government entities and other units, which also covers the workload too. So, it is not like all ministers need to a lot of heavy lifting. Because, technocrats, bureaucrats and even some civil society organizations fill the void.

It is really telling that the President since 1986 says this. A man who claims Ugandans are lazy and lack will to develop. When he has made a system of redundancy and over-bloated state apparatus. That’s what he has done and this is why Ministers feels like this.

If you ever wonder what Museveni has achieved. He has achieved to appoint several people to do the same job. The President has managed to create sort of a hectic system of entities and units, which are side-lining each other. In such a way that they are not sure what they should do or could achieve without a heads-up from the Head of State.

This quote from Hon. Betty Amongi only shows the true fashion and how things are operating in the Republic. The President don’t need working Ministers or people who knows their job. P

President Museveni is just saying he don’t need them to do much, but just acting honourable and deliver nice speeches in public. That’s all he needs… Peace.

Uncertainty looms in Kasese after the attack on the Lhubiriha Secondary School…

“Death toll now stands at 50!

UPDF soldiers have recovered more bodies suspected to be of those abducted by ADF rebels who attacked Mpondwe Lhubiriha secondary school, Kasese district on June 16, 2023,around 11:30pm” (Rise News Uganda Network, 19.06.2023).

“Following the brutal attack on Lhubiriha Secondary School in Kasese on Friday night, Kamwenge catholic parish priest Rev Fr James Isabakaki has asked members of the public to be security conscious and report to the authorities about any suspicious person” (87.9 FM VOK Radio, 19.06.2023).

“Following the attack on a school the Deputy RDC incharge of Busongora County said security had widened her investigations over whether the reported school ownership wrangles and the neighbouring community in the rebel ranks could have aided the deadly attack” (Kasese Guide Radio, 19.06.2023).

“Update: Reporter Ali Mivule updates us from Lhubiriha Secondary School in Mpondwe, Kasese, Western Uganda. Burials for the attack victims started yesterday. The report indicates relatives are anxious about the number of students suspected to have been abducted by the rebels. Families await DNA results for identification” (NTV Uganda, 19.06.2023).

Kasese is yet again hurt and suffering. This isn’t new and sadly won’t be the last. The innocent dies, while the evil prospers. That’s why children and people connected to them has been hurt. There is something not told by the authorities and by the ones in office these days. Because the stories are conflicting and not addressing the hurt.

This sort of sinister act needs an independent investigation by an outside body. Since no one really trust the Uganda Police Force or any other Security Agency in the Republic. They have in the past violated people in Kasese, and it could have happened again.

The Allied Defence Forces (ADF) haven’t taken responsibility or issued a statement in concern to the attack. Therefore, the allegations and pinning them is questionable at best. The ADF should have come out within 24 hours after the attack. However, it is radio-silence and no proof of it.

That’s why speculations are going everywhere, and people are claiming “ADF” is a scapegoat for someone else. It is easy to pin a rebel-group, but weird how it could get access and be able to do it inside the territories. Especially how close it was to a military base and with several of intelligence organizations have warnings about it in advance. That is just making the attack worse and seem very unprofessional of the authorities. They knew something was up, but they let it happen.

The victims and families will never be the same. The culprits will be unknown and will be politicised without any concerns of the grieving families. There so many who is scorned and suffering because of this. Kasese is yet again bleeding and for no apparent reason. No justification to do this and to innocent civilians who was just part of a school.

Right now everything stated would just be hearsay and the talk of the town. When we don’t have solid evidence or proof on the matter. Neither is their witness accounts on the conspiracy to attack the school. Until then, it would only be mere speculation and that will not bring the lives back or help the ones grieving. Instead it would only hurt and possibly get them to ask more questions about “why” and “how come” it happened right there and then.

We can only be uncertain right now. Lives have been lost and people abducted by a group of violent people who had no issues to trigger a lethal force on innocent civilians. That’s what they did and now Kasese district must suffer the consequences. It is just tragic and grim. To read the reports and hear about what went down. People are hurting and it’s a tragedy unfolding right in front of our eyes. Peace.

Revisiting the 1984 Proposal of the 10-Point Programme in 2023

The 10-Point Programme that was first published in 1984 and been the “change of guard” or the reforms that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) promised the Republic. The National Resistance Army (NRA) which became the NRM did this to sell their ideals, dogmas, and political ideology.

Just looking at their own pledges in regard to the 10-point programme in 2023… you can say the President and the NRM have disregarded or not been concerned about these promises. The 10-point programme was a manifesto and a document that’s been like holy scripture from the Luweero Triangle.

The NRM knows the remedies and even spelled it out in 1984 but haven’t followed it up themselves. I will take some quotations from the 10-Point Programme and not dwell too deep. Since, well, the programme itself isn’t that relevant. However, we need to revisit it to prove what the NRM haven’t done since 1986…

Let’s start with: “Democracy, as defined by one political thinker, means “government of the people, by the people and for the people”. The only problem is that rarely do we get governments that are really all these three. There are lot of mockeries of “democracy” around the globe. In our case, for democracy to be meaningful and not a mockery, it must contain three elements: parliamentary democracy, popular democracy and a decent level of living for every Ugandan. In other words, there should be an elected parliament, elected at regular intervals and such elections must be free of corruption and manipulation of the population” (TPP, 1984).

Reading this today, it’s a bit insulting and infuriating knowing what knowledge the NRA/M posses and how they operate. These words could describe them and how they are making a mockery of democracy. They are holding elections rampant with corruption and manipulations. Therefore, the remedies and what the NRM promised are totally different from what they have delivered

It continues: “As soon as NRM takes government, not only will the state inspired violences disappear but so will even criminal violence. Given democracy at the local level, a politicized army and police and absence of corruption at the top as well as interaction with the people, even criminal violence can disappear. Thereby, security of persons will be restored and so will security of legitimately earned property” (TPP, 1984).

When digesting this today… it isn’t a good look. This is what the NRA or NRM promised to end. While they are now thriving on the monopoly of violence and intimidation. The state security apparatus isn’t any better and they are serving injustice on the regular. The dissidents, the activists, opposition leaders and anyone associated with them can easily vanish, be kept incommunicado and even extra judicially killed. Therefore, these lofty promises are empty and shows what the NRM has become.

It continues: “We are convinced that some of the post-independent African leaders are the ones that are just hopelessly out of depth and have got to look for scapegoats. Africa, since independence, has been being tossed between, on the one hand idiotic quislings that are mere “caricatures” of the worst aspects of the European middle class and, on the other hand, muddle-headed “revolutionary” ideologies of Fabians, murderers and a variety of other opportunists, who spend more time putting people in preventive detention, when they are not murdering them, and spew out policies and papers that are not within a thousand miles of the real dynamics of the situation than solving the problems of the continent” (TPP, 1984).

Here they are speaking about themselves and what they have become. The NRA/M promised to be different, but they are practically everything they fought not to be. The TPP itself is a document that proves this. Especially, the explanatory reasons for the 10-point programme. These are just paragraphs from it and still it is so prevalent in the ways that the NRM is running the government today. These words could be used against them, and you couldn’t spot any difference. That’s the tragedy, because as I have stated many times over the years. The NRM and Museveni knows the remedies but has decided to look the other way. It is more profitable to run it like the predecessors.

It continues: “Apart from seeking co-operation with other African countries, Uganda, having suffered so greatly at the hands of primitive dictators ought to play an active part in defending the human and democratic rights of the African people in general. Dictatorships impede progress because they stop debates on development and allow nincompoops to remaining power doing whatever damage they are capable of. Without democracy and the human dignity of the African people Africa will never develop if, even mere debate about, let alone the actuality of, development is hardly taking place. The people are too frightened to comment on the actions of the omnipotent rulers that have got powers of live and death over every citizen of their countries, Rulers can squander resources with impunity, they can violate human rights of the people with impunity. Democracy, therefore, becomes a sinequanon of development. We ought to oppose dictatorship in Africa” (TPP, 1984).

These words can be used to describe the NRM and Museveni today. He is the primitive dictator who appoints the nincompoops to stay in power. That’s exactly what he does, and this paragraph is so fitting for his reign. It is tragic that the words and the ideals of the TPP has been lost. This document with the proposal is very telling all these years after. Because, the NRM has forgotten these words and not adhering to it. It was used as a steppingstone to get into office.

I am just amazed that NRA (now NRM) could write these words in the middle of the bush-war, but when they entered office. They became the same as the ones they fought. That is what is tragic and interesting at the same time. Power corrupts and power evolves. This is why the NRM is what it is today. They might not reconcile towards this fact, but the 1984 document proves they were wrong.

The proposal and reasons for the 10-Point Programme is valid today. Now it is valid, because they are the culprits and the ones that haven’t followed up on their promises to the Republic. Peace.

Uganda: The Parliament of Uganda – Press Statement by Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kampala, Following Issuance of Level 3, Travel Advisory for Uganda, Dated June 12/2023 by United States of America / International Community Concerns (14.06.2023)

Opinion: Bobi Wine’s two important points on the current state of affairs…

I also drew attention to the persistent breakdown in national service delivery, especially caused by Corruption and Impunity. The recent disconnection of water supply to public hospitals and the delayed reconstruction of the Katonga bridge despite its strategic importance should remind us that we have no functional government. We must take urgent action to remedy this, that is why we have intensified countrywide outreaches with a significant number of our leaders deployed to re-mobilize the population” – Robert Kyagulanyi (13.06.2023).

The National Unity Platform (NUP) and People Power Movement leader Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine addressed the media the NUP Headquarters in Kamwokya today. This address had two very vital points. The first paragraph and a second one.

I will address that one before indulging in the second one, which is underneath here. It is a striking argument and reasoning behind his words. His going straight to the heart of government and how it lacks service delivery. He proves it by looking into the deteriorating state of the hospitals and the roads. While he can issue a will to re-mobilize the population. That mobilization has to come from within and with the will of the people. If his supposed to galvanize them. It cannot be for a gig or a short-term fix. No, it has to be for something significant and possibly a revolution. Because, that’s the only thing that can transfer power and unleash the will of the people. Until then… it is baby-steps and the pain is far from over.

Which is why I will now dwell into the second one…

The escalating insecurity in our country is another cause for alarm. Those responsible for citizens’ safety are instead fuelling insecurity as they are emboldened by the culture of impunity the regime has instilled among its officers. The lack of accountability for past incidents, including the massacre of unarmed citizens and the involvement of high-ranking officials including dictator Museveni’s son in abductions, torture and even murder means the situation is only going to get worse” (Robert Kyagulanyi, 13.06.2023).

We have seen this and the NUP leader isn’t lying. The evidence is in the murders and shootings. They are more prevalent than before and the NRM cannot hide from the fact. Yes, they pin-point the U.S. but that doesn’t stop the shootings locally. That is just proving because other people do it, I should do it too; which is such a school-yard argument or reasoning.

Bobi Wine is coming with harsh and sincere words here. Words that should be listened too. Especially before its too late. The cycle of violence will only make it worse. The hurt and plights will amplify and more people destroyed by it. This is people’s lives and livelihoods on the line. People are suffering and the only way out is the gun. That’s not how it was supposed to go and there was supposed to be other ways. However, NRM and the current regime’s violent approach to politics is now trickling down to the ones who carries guns. So, they think it’s within reason to shoot and kill too.

Bobi Wine’s warning should be cemented into stone. He is telling his supporters and everyone who follows that more people will suffer. The fight to end a dictator isn’t over and the pursuit moves on. Alas, the pursuit is dangerous and the ones involved in endangering themselves. They are possible victims of abductions, arrests, torture and possible extra judicial killings. Therefore, Bobi Wine’s words should be spread.

His saying what others doesn’t dare. His speaking out and people should listen. These words doesn’t come easy. The battle and fight against isn’t a combat for the faint-hearted. Peace.

Opinion: My two cents on the Amama Mbabazi situation…

When you have reached a certain level of trust and prestige, everything is possible, and you can touch the sky. That what happened to Amama Mbabazi who has been a loyal subject and a high-ranking official since the National Resistance Movement (NRM) took power in 1986. He has had several roles in government but was most famous for the years as Prime Minister and Secretary General of the NRM.

That’s why his been a man of influence and organizational skills for years. His said to be vital to whip the party and be able to run things. Mbabazi was revered and a man whose words mattered. Until he dared to face the music and challenge the President in the 2016 elections under the banner of Go-Forward.

Now a viral tape of him walking after an operation at a health care facility has leaked. Where you see him struggling and painfully walk on crotches. Therefore, times has changed, and he won’t be all powerful again.

Mbabazi has not only sought influence, but he captured it. He took it and earned on it. There has been plenty of scandals and even been nominated as one of the most corrupt government officials of East Africa at one point. That was well deserved by the way.

He is a man who known the system and been trusted by the President. That’s why he was first working as the head of the External Security Organization. Before later becoming the Minister of Defence after the preceding one was the President himself. While he would later be the Secretary General for the party for over a decade and serve one term as the PM. That’s why you know the President has trusted him and sought his services. He has proven that he will answer the calls and do the bidding of His Excellency.

That’s why you know this man still matters. Even if he is working for a Foundation and a role, which is insignificant in one regard. However, if the President would have time for his advice or talks. It wouldn’t be shocking or strange…. Because Mbabazi and Museveni have been close for so many years. The possible fallout over the Presidency and Go-Forward bid could be water under the bridge by now.

While those things are being said. It is sad that he needs to travel all the way to London to get healed and treatment for his back. That is a long trip to get adjusted and help with back-surgery. Some said it was blood-cloth and a stroke. However, that has been dismissed as fake news and should be handled like such.

What I have the most trouble with is that he needed to travel to Europe and get treatment. He has served diligently and been a vocal supporter of his government. His one of the brothers who should trust his own government and their institutions. As a former PM and Minister, he should have gone to Mulago or anywhere for that matter. Just like any random citizen… that’s where he would taste the efforts and the brutal reality of the government he was profited from.

Mbabazi is just showing us how his government has failed. That’s why he needed to go to London. He had to go to the colonial master and get help from them. That’s because his government and the ones he has served haven’t invested, cared for or been concerned with the hospitals at home. They have indulged, bought SUVs and eaten of other people’s plates. However, not cared about or addressed the lacking services in the Ministry of Health.

The back surgery he got in London should be possible at Aga Khan or Mulago. It should be possible at one hospital in Kampala. If not in one of the other cities of the republic. However, we know that isn’t so or the High-Ranking Officials doesn’t trust that. Therefore, they are flying high and mighty abroad to be medical tourists. Peace.