A brief look into Mzee’s State of the Nation Address of 2022…

When you have speaking as much as President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni… there is little wiggle-room or ability to “invent the wheel”. He has said most things and is repeating himself. He is trying to forge narratives and sound epic. I will not look into smaller details, but just outright straight nonsense, which is plenty of. A man who has over 130 Presidential Advisors should have the corrections and the staff to secure the facts. Nevertheless, there is “only one man with a vision” and his always “correct”.

The “correct is a running feature in his speech too. About the “Correct Ideology”, “Correct Pan-Africanist Ideology”, “Correct NRM Policy”, “Correct Strategy” and “Correct Ways” which is just typical of Museveni. Where his always correct and cannot be wrong. He has all the remedies, but ironically never really fixed things or been able to elevate the Republic since 1986.

Here is quotes and breaking down each piece by piece:

Some myopic people, thought that this was sandy ground where the NRM had constructed the house of Uganda. However, the onslaughts to which Uganda has been subjected in the last 2 or 3 years, have proven that the Uganda house the NRM has constructed in the last 60 years, including the preparatory years before 1986, has been built on hard ground, indeed” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

It is really magical how Museveni rewrites history. The NRM wasn’t established in 1962, which is 60 years from today. The NRA was born out of rebellion in 1980. The Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) was born earlier than that and the failure of a campaign in the election. Was a reason for the rebellion and creation of the mentioned NRA. The earliest known body, which people know of and part of was Front for National Salvation (FRONASA). Which dates back to 1971. Therefore, that is far from the vision of NRM back in the day. That’s why I have trouble to see how NRM worked for a better Uganda in 1962 or the 1960s. That’s rewriting history, which should be rebuked.

The NRM was entity, which came into light in 1980 as a rebellious outfit and resulting the prolonged bush-war that lasted to 1986. So, saying that the NRM has constructed a house on a hard ground is foolish. That is a delusion and not legit. That is making historical facts, which cannot be proven and is only a political fiction of the President.

Moreover, the wise man’s house is currently full of surpluses, without too much use of irrigation or the use of fertilizers. In the coming financial years, we are going to intensify the modest efforts we have already started on, in connection with irrigation. With irrigation, we have worked with the private sector to produce solar-powered water pumps that the rich farmers can buy and engage in mini-irrigation, farm by farm. Once the solar powered irrigation pumps are on the market, the Government will buy them for some of the co-operatives or farming villages, where one pump can be shared by a number of small farmers” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

This here will never happen… remember the Village TVs and the other pledges during the two-year lockdowns? Well, non of that has happened. Neither has plenty of the other pledges either. It took decades to ensure local councillors could get bikes or even able to give away garden-hoes to the villages. Therefore, when these things has been impossible and taking decades. This will happen the earliest 2030 or 2040. Museveni will not have the funds, the ability or the manpower to make it happen. That’s why he has praised water-bottle irrigation and other means to develop the agricultural sector. I have a hard time believing that this will happen. It needs a miracle or a generous donor who can foot the bill. Because, the NRM will never do this. Nedda ssevo.

When I met Madame Pinetti, she had no idea about coffee. I, however, could see that she had a wide network of contacts. I asked her to look into coffee. After sometime, she came back with a positive report that it was doable. Therefore, those attacking that project, are supporters of okukenenula, (ekyejwiiso) of Africa – perpetual bleeding. If they were not, they would have responded to our call of 1986 and after, to come forward and add value to coffee and seek government assistance. Instead of attacking the saviour (oyo anataasa), if you are genuine, join the liberation effort. It is criminal for anybody to continue arguing for the continued export of raw-materials in Africa when there is 90% more value in that product that you are giving to outsiders” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

The President thinks his smarter than anyone. Is his the owner of Hawk Limited or what? Why does he cares so much about the company and the coffee processing in the Republic? It makes sense that his invested and is the shadow owner of the company. When he cares so much about it. Because, the deals written between the state and the UVCC is creating a monopoly and taking over the trading of coffee beans. That’s why people wants to block it. The company has no knowledge or any sort of experience in the business either. While others are already working and processing coffee beans. Therefore, the deal in question is made with wrong intentions and illegal too.

It is striking that his so angry and bad tempered like someone stole a candy from a kid. As an old man he should understand this deal or agreements isn’t righteous. That is if he cares about the industry. Instead he thinks he can trick the public and the farmers. However, people can google and thinks leaks. So, the truths are coming out. The Vinci Coffee deal is a disaster… and Museveni should reconsider, but trust me. His greedy, so his trying to soften the blow and ensure he gets the best deal for himself. Which is what an ageing “revolutionary” does…

Another danger to our rapid social-economic transformation is the corruption of political actors and Public servants who do not only steal government money, thereby denying the population the services that money would have provided, but they also parasite on our business people. Business people and investors, do not feel beholden to these parasites. Expose both their requests for bribes and their schemes for frustrating those that do not pay bribes. Action will be taken for the benefit of the business atmosphere in the country” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

This here is the most bogus statement within the National Address… this year and that says a lot. We know that Gilbert Bukenya has no issues, Amama Mbabazi, Jim Muhwezi, Hentry Tumukunde and the list goes on. Corruption and greed is a vital part of the commercialization of politics under Museveni. The kickbacks, envelopes and misuse of power is well known. The President himself vouched for a “Presidential Handshake” not too long ago. So, the President is really caring about this. His earning on corruption himself and his directives is promoting companies that his either getting greased or profiting from. If not, why is Dott Services is so well-known…

Therefore, let all the NRM MPs and other positive elements, rally around the patriotic programme of the NRM that has transformed Uganda from the failed state of 1986, with the economy expanding in size 30 times plus in 30 years, in spite of the endless betrayals by certain elements. Those who cause frictions among the NRM fraternity, should be carefully examined. Why can’t you discuss any matter in non -antagonistic ways. Antagonistic ways only work for the enemy” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

Here the President is speaking about possible “NRM Rebels” which is the most endearing thing that is… because a rebel himself isn’t accepting any rebels. That is the truth about the President and his close associates. They are just supposed to listen and give way. The NRM MPs are just there to sign off and do what the President says. That’s what is “patriotic” and the “correct NRM way” just so you know. That’s why he says this and speaks like this. It is a betrayal to stand-up or even question the “high above”. The ones who don’t know that after all these years have clearly not listened. That is obvious by now. If you dares to challenge or go against him from within… than you are an enemy. Therefore, know what you do and never ever consider that.

This was my takes from the National Address of 2022. Peace.

Opinion: The Speakers have become a Wasteland for Public Expenditure…

“Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, her Deputy Thomas Tayebwa get Shs 2.8billion cars. Prossy Akampurira Mbabazi, the Rubanda District Woman MP, also a parliamentary commissioner, confirmed the procurement of the two luxurious vehicles” (91.2 Crooze FM, 07.06.2022).

“The decision was endorsed by the parliamentary commissioners and money to purchase the Shs2.8billion cars [for the speaker and her Deputy] was approved,” Hon. Prossy Akampurira, the Rubanda District MP, also a parliamentary commissioner” (91.2 Crooze FM, 07.06.2022).

“Parliament has concluded plans to procure official residences for the speaker and the deputy speaker. Inside sources say funds have already been made available for the procurement, though the figures have not been disclosed” (NTV Uganda, 07.06.2022).

The newly elected Speakers of the 11th Parliament has no scruples spending from the state coffers. They are getting new cars, housing and they already has a vast money-pit of allowances, salaries, and perks in office. These two are already high earners but expect to get more for their services or contribution to the state.

You would think these two was running the nation and was the vocal point of it all. Since, they are so well paid off and has such funds to build houses for them as well. They had already cars as MPs and big-big salaries as part of the Parliament. So, it wasn’t like they weren’t well off already. These two had it all and now they want more.

This is what greed looks like and they are doing this amid rising inflation, lacking funds, and showing their ignorance of the plights of the people. The people they represent and works for as speakers to begin with.

These was two ceremonial vehicles and additional housing. When we know they have all the high-end salary, allowances, and other stipulated payments, which makes them rich in office. It is not like these would starve at any minute or be worried about dried out bank-accounts. No, these two would have a pay-day and would be well-off.

This is privilege and the burden of that is on the state coffers. The state covers the expenses and all the costs of the matter. These are luxuries and can only been seen as such. Since, the speakers has a pay and could afford to get a humble abode in Kampala. However, they are now living like royalties and expects to live as such.

That’s why they had to have new ceremonial cars, as the cars bought to fit Oulanyah and Kadaga wasn’t good enough. Now, they are also getting houses paid. It just shows how they can be reckless and spend like it is no tomorrow. It is their turn to eat and it’s evident that they think that way. Because it is like they fear that this opportunity is too good not to get well off from. Peace.

The Rise of the Cassava Republic: The MPs will eat, but not help the general public…

The speaker Among and the members of the parliamentary commission reportedly resolved a salary hike by at least 30% effective the coming financial year of 2022-23. Among argues that the inflation levels are affecting the performance of the lawmakers” (Emmanuel Busingye – ‘Mixed reactions over Among proposal to hike MPs salary’ 02.06.2022, Ekyooto.co.uk).

What is really striking is that the Members of Parliament has issued a possible pay-rise of a total of 193 billion shillings shared among the 555 MPs. If those billions of shillings are shared equally between the MPs than each of them would get an additional 347 million shillings each. That is happening while the rising inflation and commodity prices are hard for people to handle.

The public are not getting any direct incentive or help with the basic commodity prices. The President has told people to eat cassava and live within their means. While the MPs are collecting more money and they have already huge wages. The MPs has free vehicles, salaries, paid per plenary session and whatnot. Therefore, they have already more than plenty and not lacking in anything.

While others has to contemplate to buy soaps, cooking oil or petrol. There are so many other things that is hit by inflation and rising prices, which affects the households. The livelihoods and salaries of the ordinary worker isn’t being stipulated. Neither is the state doing anything in concern to targeted taxes, levies or ensuring the population can afford it.

So, now that this is happening, the lawmakers and the ones who can help the population with it’s needs. Are more concerned about their added expenses, but they already earn millions of shillings and live large on the public expenditure. The public are not even getting cents on a dollar or any sort of push in the hardships they are facing.

The President told people to eat cassava and skip bread. That just shows what sort of mechanism and lack of concern that is on the top. The elite and the MPs are not feeling it or are unbothered. They don’t care if they are vouching for money and topping off more expenditure. The State House has already additional supplementary funds and now the same is scheduled for the MPs. They are all living outside their means and has vast pockets filled by the state coffers.

The public is really being played around with and only of value in a election. The rest of the time the state doesn’t pay them no mind. If civil servants or people paid by state coffers like health care workers strikes… the MPs and Ministers speaks of mass-firing and axe their jobs. That’s because the workers cannot even pay electrics or the pay to get to work with their salaries. While the same folks in chambers of power has no scruples giving millions of shilling in addition to their bountiful payments, which they will have for years. Therefore, the double standard and hypocrisy is out in the open.

The MPs are worried about the rising prices and lack of value for money. While the Ministries and MPs are not covering the health care workers, teachers or local government civil servants. No, they have to make it on the own. These have to live on measly salaries and hope to get by. Meanwhile convoys of big-men and MPs are driving in SUVs through town. They are acting as big-shots and of vast importance, but they are not doing anything substantial. Because, if they did anything that did matter. They would look after the poor, the starving and the ones who cannot afford a bar of soap. However, they are disinterested in doing that and would only give away a bar of soap if there is a by-election or something.

So, the MPs doesn’t care and clearly Besigye’s “Wake-Up Call” is needed. Because, the gentlemen and ladies of the Parliament won’t bat an eyelid. They don’t care and neither does the State House. That is the revolution that Museveni brought, which was “our time to eat”. Peace.

Omoro County By Election: Return Form for Transmission of Results (26.05.2022)

Omoro County By-Election: The lessons of the “victory” of the Son of Jacob

The preliminary results are that National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag-bearer Andrew Ojok Oulanyah is projected to win. That will unlikely not change and the opposition will loose the chance to retake the seat, as the NRM retain it yet again. This is not shocking, because of how the state operates and uses the machinery for their advantage.

The NRM and the ruling regime uses all techniques possibly to win. They are using their appointed local leaders, national secretariat and government institution to serve their candidacy. This being the army, the police or any other sort of “help” for a push of their candidate. The Residential District Commander and the Regional Police Commander both will coordinate and fight for the NRM flag-bearer. Therefore, there is little left to chance or option to object to the one favoured by the state.

The ones who are canvassing and working for candidates of the opposition is naturally in danger of arrest, kidnap and kept incommunicado until the “victory” is sealed. This happened here and the soldiers will make people bounce. The county had road-blocks to stop people from entering and blocking “strangers” from entering. Meaning, anyone who could sway opinion or gain interests for anything, which wasn’t NRM isn’t allowed by definition.

The whole affair and polls just shows how important bribes, voter tourism and intimidation is to win at this stage. The NRM cannot pull or win with honest intentions. No, they have to rig it and block the opposition. They have to use force and be ill-willed. This is just the nature of things and the beasts are all out to play. The victims, the opposition or the ones associated with them are the targets. That’s their price of playing and participating in these elections. Even if the opposition plays by the rules or regulations, the goal-post changes and the authorities are using all excuses to go after them.

That’s why NRM can use government vehicles, institutions and appointees to secure their candidate gets elected. The soldiers and police officers will play out for their orders too. There is nothing that isn’t accessible for them and they uses all means to get there.

The by-election county looks like a war-zone. The Electoral Commission can put in guidelines, but the NRM don’t have to follow them. These are put out to limit the opposition and not for the ruling regime. Because, they can electioneer, rig and use violence to win. That’s what they do and they are proud of it too. Even if the election isn’t legit or the result isn’t transparent with the will of the people. Since, it has all been a game and it was rigged before the people stepped into the polling station to vote.

That’s why the NRM is a sorry state of itself. A place that used to have the Regional Party Vice-President of the NRM, the former Speaker who used to be the fourth high ranking official of the Republic. Still, in that constituency which the father won in 2011, 2016 and 2021. Even with that… the Son of Jacob needed all powers and all the help he could to get across the finish-line. It is not easy when you use all of this to get elected.

We are seeing that the Son of Jacob is happy about the result and becoming the winner. However, he should be concerned about how it happened. The whole system was on his side and there was no mercy served. It was a systemic brutality and usage of force to retain the seat. There was nothing in it showing a free and fair election. That is very obvious… therefore, it is false start to proclaim grandeur and solidify victory.

Ojok Oulanyah should know that he got elected not by the will of the people, but by the force of the gun. If that’s how he wants to be a representative and be known for. That’s his choice, as he got bills to pay and got a mansion to finish after his late father. So, most likely he doesn’t care, because he secures the continuation of his fathers legacy. However, he will also not be fondly remembered by all. As people have been scarred, taken into custody and been arranged by the authorities for just doing their mission for their candidates. That shouldn’t be the case, but is what went down in Omoro county.

The NRM cannot speak of being a nationwide party, when they operate like an army with a political wing. That’s how it looks like in these sorts of by-elections. Not looking like a strong or a popular people’s party, but an army with political figureheads. Peace.

Oromo County By-Election: Mass-Arrests of MPs, Polling Agents and Low-Voter Turn Out

Voting in the Omoro County by-election continues with low voter turn-up at most polling stations. Over 38,000 voters are expected to cast their ballots in a bid replace former MP & Speaker Jacob Oulanyah who died in March this year” (Daily Monitor, 26.05.2022).

It is clearly not all rosy at the polls of the Omoro County. That’s because of the usage of authorities and state machinery to gain advantage. That’s why the polling agents are arrested and the coordinators of the main opposition is out of play. This is deliberate acts to ensure the counting and the ballots are cast in darkness. As there is only government friendly polling agents and such in the area.

As reported by several media houses:

Police have cut off the Omoro Central Police Station after the arrest of NUP agents as well as MP, David Kalwanga. The police say that the arrested were conducting themselves in a manner contrary to the guidelines issued by the EC” (94.3 QFM Lira, 26.05.2022).

Leader of Opposition in Parliament Mathias Mpunga, NUP Secretary-General Lewis Rubongoya and other NUP party members are currently at Gulu Police Station after some of their members and agents in the ongoing Omoro by-election were arrested” (NBS Television, 26.05.2022).

Security personnel have arrested Chua West Member of Parliament Philip Okin Ojara and three other members of the FDC party in Omoro District. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, revealed that security personnel raided the FDC office in Opit Town Council before violently arresting Okin” (Baba TV Uganda, 26.05.2022).

Police has arrested several people in the ongoing Omoro by-election. According to the Police

spokesperson Aswa region ASP Ongom David said: We have intelligence that there are organised people with the intention of disorganizing this election” (Gugudde TV Uganda, 26.05.2022).

We should be worried that the authorities are using these tactics. That just shows that they cannot trust the voters and their choices. As they don’t want to have oversight or accountability for their actions.

We can anticipate the Special Forces Command (SFC) to put all the pressure on the pressure-cooker and ensure the results are boiled in favour of Andrew Ojok Oulanyah. That is all we can await for. The state has put all their prestige into it and wants to secure the Seat for the Son of Jacob.

Instead of having an honest, free and fair elections. The polls and the day of the by-election is marred with police brutality and use of force. That is not how you run trusted polls, but electioneer in favour of the ruling regime.

There is reports of kidnapping and keeping mobilizers and polling agents taken away in the polls ahead of the final hours of the vote. That is just proving that the regime don’t even want to try to conceal their actions to secure the result in their favour. Peace.

Omoro County By-Elections: Final update on the evening ahead of the polls…

The war-zone was to be expected and the nerve, the tension and the intimidation too. Because the yellow of the Republic cannot win without using these means and the authorities to get ahead. The reports from both National Unity Platform (NUP) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is familiar with previous by-elections of this era.

That there are prolonged arrests of mobilizers, activists and use of roads-blocks to “stop strangers” for interfering. While the National Resistance Movement (NRM) walk around like demi-gods who can break any law or electioneering as they deem fit. The reports of giving away money to voters, soap and other minor donations in the hot-minute before the polls. There been already reports of NRM Teams in coordination with the Residential District Commander (RDC) and canvass all parts of the county that way.

No one should be shocked, if the offices of the FDC was raided in the evening before the polls. As their first candidate for the polls was even bribed himself and they had to field another one before the nomination. So, the continuation of voter bribery and intimidation as well.

There is even reports of possible pre-ticking of ballots ahead of the polls tomorrow. So, there is nothing left to chance here. Just to take it even further the state has deployed government vehicles without number-plates and army vehicles without number-plates to the county. That is all to ensure the votes and the polls goes after plan. These things are not for the weak or the ones who don’t want to fight. Because, these sorts of affairs are just a proof of how the game is rigged.

The ones thinking that the President and his hand-picked candidate would be let to chance. Those are not familiar with protocol or how these things operate in the Republic. All that mention has been done before and what we are seeing is similar to what has occurred in the past. It is not an election under Museveni is peaceful or fair. They are battleground and a place where the state interferes with everything at their disposal.

What is striking is that all of this is done to retain a seat and further the nepotism of the NRM. Just so their guy and their flag-bearer Ojok Oulanyah can takeover the seat of his father in Parliament. The candidate who didn’t need a primary election, but be directly picked by His Excellency. Therefore, this is high stakes for the President and he don’t like to be humiliated. Even if it is all a charade and mockery of an election. As the war-zone, rigging and intimidation only further shows that the NRM doesn’t even believe in their own propaganda or agendas. Since, they need to use all tricks from their book to get a “result” that’s worthy of the Fountain of Honour. Peace.

Omoro County By-Election: The Son of Jacob will not help people out of poverty, but finish his father’s mega-mansion!

We want to express condolence for the death of our son Oulanyah. He had showed good leadership. I’m sorry that we lost him but I am very happy with the people of Omoro. You are civilized people and know how to behave well because you reasoned rationally and said this was Oulanyah’s term. He didn’t finish it, and so let us send his son to finish it. This is Oulanyah’s term” (…) “These people are not sending you but sending Oulanyah back. If you work well, next time they will send Ojok back” (…) “So, I hope Ojok will continue Oulanyah’s work and help people get out of poverty” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (24.05.2022).

The late speaker and former Member of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah wasn’t only the breadwinner of the family, but he also built up a massive estate. Where he had a plan of a vast and huge mansion in Omoro County. That is left behind and unfinished. The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and President Museveni promised to fulfil the mission and deliver the mansion to its glory. While also support the kids and relatives of the late speaks intuition fees as well. Therefore, Andrew Ojok Oulanyah isn’t finishing the mission of his late father, but ensuring that his mansion getting built.

It is hard to say that the late speak did much or anything to combat poverty. Even if the statistics between 1999 (over 80% under the poverty line in Acholi sub-region) and in 2017 (68% under the poverty line in Acholi sub-region). That can just be mere luck or the long effects of the peace after the prolonged war since the liberation war in the 1980s.

What is striking is that the sub-region is one of the most impoverished and lacks government structures. However, the late speaker still saw it within reason to build a mega-mansion worthy of a hotel complex and beyond. A such huge estate, which only benefits the high and almighty of the nation. That’s the sort of thing that the Son of Jacob is inheriting and the state is finishing it for him.

That’s why I doubt he will continue anything. Not like his father did much ado about nothing. We cannot expect much either. His a novice and just a pawn for government majority. Just like the Deputy Speaker was to continue her term and finish it. Now the President wants Andrew to finish Jacob’s term in Parliament.

Again, Andrew just wants to finish where his father left off. In a lavish lifestyle of perks and envelopes. That’s why his father could start to build a mega-mansion. As it seemed plausible to finish and live in a large mansion eventually. Where he could recuperate and chill behind the battles of Kampala. As he could have shade and all sorts of luxuries in the North. Because, that mansion when it’s finishes oozes prestige and glory.

I don’t see Ojok making a difference… but instead just getting a better life for himself. That’s why his indebted to the voters. Because, the party had no choice but to accept his nomination and candidacy in this election. That’s because Museveni decided. Just like he wants the public to follow his choices and his vision. This would be the same…

Do you believe the Son of Jacob? Because I don’t… I expect him to finish the building and cashing in the Parliamentary Salaries. That’s what is expected of him. He will build the mansion and get a vehicle as an MP. Ajok will get perks and kick-backs… that’s just the nature of the game of the current affairs. He will surely enjoy these and ensure the family has funds to keep it’s upkeep. Nevertheless, ending poverty or working to stop poverty in the Omoro county?

No, that’s not happening. It is his turn to eat and continue to build on the fortunes of his father. Peace.

Opinion: The President spends around a billion shillings a day for the remaining days of the Financial Year…

The 2nd Supplementary Budget of 2021-22, which is scheduled now in May 2022, as the end of the Financial Year is soon ending. The FY 2021-22 is only ending on the 30th June, as the next Financial Year is starting on the 1st July 2022. On that date start the FY 2022-23. Therefore, it must be something significant for the state to suddenly spend lavishly in the end of a financial year.

The Supplementary Budget which was voted on recently gave the State House 77 billion shilling in additional funds for “Classified Expenditure”. This is happening days before President tells his citizens to buy “less” and “survive”. As the state isn’t able or it isn’t capable of subsidising or cut taxes on basic commodities, as the prices are rising in the Republic. However, the same state can spend a billion shilling a day on the “classified expenditure” for his august State House.

The President can spend a billion shilling a day just on the supplementary budget. That is not taking into the account the already allocated funds to the State House Budget in the FY 2021-22 or the first supplementary budget, which most likely also had additional funds towards the State House. If not there is plenty of funds allocated and directed to the Office of the President. He has enough options and means to spend vast fortunes on a regular basis.

The latest is just a simple fact of how his beyond redemption. A man who speaks of being a revolutionary, but acts like a kingpin. A man who speaks of surviving and living within our means, but he himself has all the monies of the world. The State House and the President can buy whatever it wants at any given time. The State House can imports, buy and trade whatever it deems fit. It has the budgets and the sudden additional funds to do so. It is a huge enterprise and a growing money tree.

The State House has only by the latest budget a 1 billion shillings a day to spend and that isn’t even covering every single day. The State House would still have funds to spare and use. This just shows how reckless and how how the President is using money like no tomorrow. He might claim it’s for development and other projects. However, what results does it have or what purpose? Why not let other agencies, state enterprises or even ministries directly steer these funds?

We all know why… the President wants to be implicated and directly part of all pieces of the state. That’s why his directives goes into all portfolios and all parts of government. He wants to have a say and order as well.

That’s why his spending like a drunk sailor on himself, but speaking of frugality to anyone else. His office and State House gets huge slush-funds, classified expenditure and whatever else he points at. He can claim it is to save someone in the up-country, but everyone knows it is being eaten mostly by himself. His getting a big convoy, having over 130 Presidential Advisors and whatever else he see fit.

If you believe a man who needs a billion shillings day to live. That his the guy to lecture you about living a simple life. You are being lectured by the wrong guy. The guy who is living hand-to-mouth and selling New Visions on the streets of Kampala can explain how that life works. However, a President who spends more than any other soul of the Republic.

Well, he isn’t the guy to speak of living frugal. No, his the guy to listen to when you want to buy Evian or import expensive relics to his State House. Peace.

The Rise of the Cassava Republic: A look into President Museveni’s “National Address “On the State of the Economy”

To use frugally these imported items (kukekereza, kwereembareemba) or kubyesonyiwa (get alternatives)” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (22.05.2022).

Cassava. Cassava. Cassava. Well, here we are and things are not changing. The Head of State came with his history lecture, but he says he fixed everything since 1986, but the problems are always returning. Things are never stable enough or ability to permanently find solutions. That’s why even the “revolutionary” man and His Excellency is living large. The same does all his cronies and it’s really unique that a man who has all the wealth and all the power. To say to the citizens to not by imported items and switch to cassava.

Just read these lines in 2022:

The struggle between the two lines, therefore, was as follows: the revolutionary side (our side) pointed out that what was primary was to avoid death (massive death – ekyorezo), all other problems notwithstanding. The reactionary line was to emphasize the loss of jobs, loss of businesses, loss of school time, pregnancies of young girls, etc. Our line was that ebizibu (problems) are not equal (comparable) to death (okufa). Death is irreversible, while problems are reversible at the appropriate time. “Ekitatta Muhima, tekimumalako ente”, we say in Luganda (if a Muhima does not die, even if he loses cows, he will, in time, recover them)” (Museveni, 22.05.2022).

He is speaking well of the lockdowns and the stopping of society as he did for months during the global pandemic of late. Where the state had no emergency or contingency plans to help their citizens. There was a lack of support and the price of survival must have been really hard on the citizens living hand-to-mouth. As there is only one elite who could work from home. The day-traders and the ones living of their hands couldn’t do that directly. That was why so many was hurting.

Now, he speaks of the revolutionary line, as the NRM is far from that now. They have become the elites and the bourgeois who is eating of the plights of the rest. The President will not say that, but his staleworths, associates and all in collective is living large while the rest is struggling. That’s why his speaking like this. Because, it is so easy on the throne and when you especially doesn’t come with solutions, but let the people fix it for themselves. That’s the “revolution” his bringing… and he is clearly not on point with the needs of the people anymore. As their plights and the trouble to afford basic commodities isn’t going away and he choses to nothing about it. Since it is only a problem, but he don’t won’t to solve it. As it is not about survival…

He continues:

Again, here, we confront the struggle between the two lines: the revolutionary, patriotic line of the truth and seriousness on the one hand and the reactionary line of populism, cheap popularity and lack of realism of: prices-control by Government, subsidies, tax cuts on the other hand. Although this is not as serious as covid-19, the choices here, are also with serious implications. It is a choice between okubandama (collapse) of the economy on the one hand or survival (kwetaasa, kuhonoka). The real medicine for high prices and shortages, is increased production. Produce more, if you can” (Museveni, 22.05.2022).

It is really clear that his trying a balancing act, but it’s far from revolutionary at this point. It is being relaxed about the trouble and issues of the people. Instead of supporting and finding means to an end for the mwannachi. He prefers to look silently by and hoping the resilience of the people will linger on. Neither is his fearing uprisings or major demonstrations. Because, the “bread and circus” is working. Secondly, there is enough to keep people content with bare minimum. While the people should afford a bar of soap or cooking oil. The loaf of bread is just a proof that the society is weakening and the middle-class is dying too. There is only the rich who is connected to the government and their inner-circles. The businesses are thriving because of connections and suction from associates of the state. The rest has to fight and struggle.

He speaks of producing more, but who is buying and how are you selling that? When people cannot afford things to begin with. That will only benefit the traders who are exporting and not the people who cannot earn enough to pay the increased prices. Especially, when the state isn’t planning to help to regulate or subsidies imports of certain products. Neither, can certain products be produced at a massive scale for a reasonable price over night either. So, the President here is really naive or if not. Ignorant on the facts and what this really do. Its more Cassave and less wheat all over again…

In conclusion, I repeat that the only, really, serious dangers to our future are: reliance on only rain-fed agriculture; damage to our environment; and a nuclear-war among the mistake-makers” (Museveni, 22.05.2022).

Well… there you have it. This is the vital parts of the speech, because the rest was more history lessons and not relevant for today. That’s why I have only these paragraphs. He just shows what his asking for the public. You have to figure it out and if not use less soap. If not someone has to start production in Namanve or Luzira for that matter.

Museveni promised a “Steady Progress” and “Securing Your Future” but in this speech. He never really meant these things. Because, he is leaving people to fight for themselves. Since he has no incentive or reasons to do things. That’s for a simple reason. He don’t fear retribution or a revolution against him. As the President for 36 years… he hopes he has dozed people off so much. That they will never care to turn against him in the streets, avenues or in the villages. Even if they can’t afford basic commodities. Peace.