Omoro County By-Election: NUP Mobilizers and Activists kidnapped and kept incommunicado…

Police Mount Checkpoints to Screen ‘Strangers’ In Omoro Ahead of By-election. According to the Aswa River Region Police spokesperson, David Ongom Mudong, the checkpoints will help Police to screen people.…especially those who are strangers and entering Omoro District at the time campaigns are ongoing. But NUP Candidate, Simon Toolit Akecha says the checkpoints being erected in the constituency are targeting their campaign teams and supporters” (Unity FM 97.7 Lira, 22.05.2022).

This here was reported about yesterday. Now it is verified from the radio station in Lira. The By-Election in the Acholi Sub-Region we knew would be contested. The authorities and the state is using all their means to succeed.

The checkpoints are clearly made for arresting people associated with the National Unity Platform (NUP). As there are reports of both well-known activists and mobilizers in the area that is kidnapped and kept incommunicado.

As reported underneath:

I’m told the army arrested NUP supporters and members on the campaign team last night in Omoro. Some were picked from their hotel rooms” (Kelvin Omukungu, 22.05.2022).

This brother uses the profile name Maush Mo on Facebook, alongside some others he is said to be held incommunicado in Omoro by the Police. The leadership NUP is making efforts to establish reason for the arrested” (Kato Festo, 22.05.2022).

There was also reports yesterday that the Special Forces Command (SFC) was using violence, beating and brutally arresting people who was associated with the NUP. Therefore, this is a continuation of that and just shows what the NRM is willing to do to “win”.

There is also reports that the NRM is giving away money to villages and their team is spending millions of shillings to buy voters in the Oromo County By-Election. So, the NRM is not “wasting” any resources on the prestige of getting the Son of Jacob elected. Peace.

Omoro By-Election: Bobi Wine and the Campaign Team released after hours of arrest under military supervision…

The latest report from Omoro By-Election is that Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and his Campaign Team has been released. They are now returning back to Kampala. As the Special Forces Command (SFC) has released them after keeping them under arrest.

This is directly stopping the National Unity Platform (NUP) from campaigning and using their national figures to gain voters in Omoro County By-Election. It is just a proof of how the state intimidate, incite fear and uses their means to “win” an election.

The arrests today and the military supervised arrests of civilians, activists and political leader Bobi Wine. Only shows what the state is wiling to do. Just so their candidate can “win” and nothing else.

It is only 5 days to the 26th May and it shows the dire distress the NUP causes to the National Resistance Movement (NRM). That is so clear as the NRM has all their people campaigning in the election, but the NUP is blocked from doing the same. Just another proof of the “free and fair” elections in the era of the NRM. Peace.

Omoro County By-Election: Bobi Wine and the NUP Campaign Team arrested

Tonight, as the violent and brutal arrests of National Unity Platform supporters have been occurring in Omoro County ahead of the By-Elections there on the 26th May 2022. There are several of other reports of which shows the fierce force of the authorities in the area.

As the road-blocks and checkpoints are put up to stifle any movement or any sort of possibly public outcry of the residents there. There is reports that the NUP Campaign Team has all been arrested. This includes Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, as well as Noah Mutwe, Maush and others too. That is happening as they were campaigning for the NUP flag-bearer Simon Toolit.

The Special Forces Command (SFC) of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) is said to be deployed and using force today. These are the ones that is behind the arrests and taking them to unknown locations. This is similar to what happened in the Arua By-Election of 2018.

Now it is repeating itself and the arrests are occurring before the polls. Even before the NUP is able to canvass and campaign whole-heartedly in the county. That shows what the state is willing to do and how it uses it’s resources to stay in power. As they are fighting for the Son of Jacob to “win” this election.

Bobi Wine is reported to be under military supervision after the arrest hours ago. We don’t know where and with what charges, but everything is up for grabs here. Over the weekend everything will become clear. As we will here the UPDF drop a statement and the UPF as well. That is just happening whether we like it or not.

Alas, this just shows that the NRM doesn’t believe in their own candidates and own political platform. When they have to arrest the opposition and use military force to stop them from campaigning. That’s because the NRM and the army fears to lose even more influence in the Parliament. Even if it just a means to regain a seat the NRM already had.

A By-Election shouldn’t be bloody, vicious and need the usage of brutal force like this. However, this is the only way the NRM knows how to win and it shows. The Son of Jacob should feel weak and be praying to the Gods that the almighty forgives them. Because, his campaign is the reason for other people’s plights. The authorities are doing this on his behalf and he should remember that. Peace.

Omoro County By-Election: The Son of Jacob will only win by force and not by “winning hearts”

It is only 5 days to the polls in the Omoro County By-Election, which is scheduled for the 26th May 2022. The campaigns will last to the 24th May 2022. However, things are already spiralling out and the price of the politics is clear.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) are acting like everything is going after normal programming, as they are campaigning to retain the seat in Parliament and get the son of the late speaker, Andrew Ojok Oulanyah elected. However, that couldn’t be harder from the truth.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) had to change their candidate in the last minute before registration, because the NRM had bribed their candidate and instead nominated Justine Odong. Therefore, from the on-set the NRM is using all means to win.

Just like today it’s reports of beating up and direct arrests of National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters in the county. There is also reports of checkpoints and authorities putting up road-blocks in the area too. So, like before… the state is making an election into a war-zone to ensure total victory.

There is reports that the Special Forces Command (SFC), which is a part of the Uganda People’s Liberation Force (UPDF) that is behind the brutal arrests and detaining the opposition members in the county. So, if he NRM believed this was a certain win and a walk-over. They wouldn’t need to do this…

As NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong was earlier in the day proclaiming that they had turned about a 100 NUP Members in Omoro County into NRM. Nevertheless, that is just the ordinary propaganda and most like a photo-op to sincere. As this is a way of people getting free t-shirts and possibly a cash-donation to “vote” for the NRM. So, yet another grand scheme.. because the real supporters of the opposition is meeting a blunt force. Not smiles and greetings from the comrades of the likes of Todwong.

If Andrew Ajok Oulanyah thinks his campaign is solid and great. He should have asked the authorities to not use these means. Because, this is just showing that the barrel of the gun and the use of violence is what the NRM needs to get votes. The NRM needs the blunt force to beat people into submission. Not because of a manifesto or a political programme.

That is the message the NRM is sending here. As they are targeting the opposition. While sparing no concern or mind for their own campaigns. It is all smiles and joy for Oulanyah, but I can tell you. There are plenty others who suffers. This campaign isn’t friendly, free or fair.

There is one campaign for the NRM and another for the rest. That isn’t just and the world needs to know.

The Son of Jacob isn’t winning because of his charisma, character or political promises. No, if his winning… its because of how the government and the authorities targets everyone else who dares to challenge him. Peace.

A Trillion Shillings to the PDM is a waste of public expenditure from the get-go…

The Parish Development Model (PDM) which was launched recently is following the patterns of other micro-finance schemes that the Government of Uganda has started. The public shouldn’t expect to much from this, because the state doesn’t have a history of ensuring it and they are just throwing money at the wall… and hoping sooner or later that something sticks. Nevertheless, that has never been the case.

The PDM is a new breed of the Emyooga, NAADs, SACCOs and all the other methods that haven’t brought people out of poverty. It is a “get-rich-quick-scheme” which is bound to fail. That’s said for a simple reason, the state is never studying the failures of the previous schemes before launching another one. Therefore, I don’t believe the PDM will do anything.

If you remember “Operation Wealth Creation” and all the other ones are only made for the fellas and the cronies of the state. This will be no difference and now the state plans to spend a trillion shillings on it. They are willing to wage these funds on a gamble.

Just read these quotes from the recent Parliament report!

In FY2021/22, UGX 200 billion was appropriated towards preparatory activities for the phased implementation of the PDM. These funds were able to support key activities like the establishment of the PDM Secretariat, recruitment of 6,000 Parish Chiefs – the posts filled so far are 9,847 (93%);

popularization of the Parish Development Model; development of PDM guidelines and manuals for the seven pillars, among others. Furthermore, Parliament under Supplementary Schedule No. 1 for FY 2021/22, approved additional funding for PDM as follows: UGX 3 billion-Mindset Change and Community Development activities under MoGLSD; UGX 29.3 billion-operationalize the recently created sub-counties and town councils; UGX 20.98 billion-to increase Parish Revolving Funds to UGX 17 million per parish; UGX 6.6 billion for establishment of Parish SACCOs countrywide; and

UGX 3.96 billion to operationalize the PDM Secretariat” (REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET ON THE ANNUAL BUDGET ESTTMATES FOR FY 2O22/23, May 2022).

Rt. Hon. Speaker and Hon. Members, in the FY2022/23, UGX 100 million per Parish have been earmarked under the Parish Revolving Fund, translating to UGX 1.059 trillion. These funds are a capitalization grant to the PDM SACCOs, which will be used for the sole purpose of lending to viable income generating activities in the Production, Processing, Marketing and Storage of agricultural products” (REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET ON THE ANNUAL BUDGET ESTTMATES FOR FY 2O22/23, May 2022).

So, we are seeing that state wants to ramp up their investments into the PDM. As they only started in the last financial year with certain amount of expenditure. It would be very unique if the PDM actually did deliver something substantial or game-changing in all aspects.

The PDM is bound to fail and become a wasteland of government spending. There is nothing in the cards or in the report to say otherwise. No, it is just a continuation of other similar schemes, which is money for the boys and the close associates of the state. This here isn’t built to last and is a hack-work. That’s why the funding and the sort of operations is half-assed and without any proper mandate. Neither is it bound by protocol or a direct policy. It is just made for being a place of reckless spending and without proper accountability.

The previous reports on the OWC and PDM haven’t been favourable either. The ones from certain districts of the PDM shows that. Therefore, this will only end in tears and they are spending a trillion on it too. Peace.

Opinion: Otafiire is the blind leading the blind….

It is a shame for Pentecostal Church ministers calling yourselves bishops and other names when a big group of your followers are in poverty. I hear that even pastors stop people from going to hospitals, which is so bad because science works together with God” (…) “If you are a leader, in a country like Uganda that has all the natural resources and still people cannot afford to have three meals a day, it means there is a big problem, but to my surprise, some of you are proud because you are leading people who are even infected with jiggers” (…) “Let people worship their own God so long as they follow the laws. Stop internal fights because for us who are not frequent church goers, we have failed to understand what to follow. When you are involved in wars even with other religions, this will not only affect you, but also the development of this great nation” – Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire (Milton Bandiho – ‘Otafiire: Pentecostal churches keeping the faithful poorer’ 17.05.2022, Daily Monitor).

It is really strange that a Minister and Maj. Gen. who has gone through the ranks and had a life-long career in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to say this in 2022. The man has been a commander and a minister over the last few decades. Heck, his been a Member of Parliament for much of it too. Maj. Gen. Otafiire has been a high ranking official and been appointed to offices of importance for years.

Otafiire is one of the reason why the state isn’t moving forward or getting better. It is his government and the policies his promoting on a daily basis, which is a reason for continued poverty. Yes, the pastors, the leaders of church and clerics should be worried and not only be pastrepreneurs. They should teach the gospel and also help their communities. Not only collecting tithes or donations from their congregations, but use those money to help the ones in need and have projects in the community they are a part of, which plenty of churches does. Therefore, Otafiire should know about that and look into his own acts.

Because, he spoke about this to pastors, priests and the likes. I will take a passage from the book of Luke, which seems fitting for the current state of mind of Maj. Gen. Otafiire.

The Bible says:

37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

39 He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (The Bible – New International Version, Luke 6: 37-42).

Why do I use this scripture today? Well, Otafiire is judging the pastors and priests with contempt. His judging their actions, but his forgetting his own role in it all. To make matters worse is that he could have ensured that there wouldn’t be any poverty or lesser extent himself. For years in office and as a high ranking official he could have forwarded policies, budget posts and whatnot to make a difference.

We only knows that the NRM produces wasteful and lack-of-accountability get-rich-quick-schemes which goes nowhere and only enriches the men on the top. The elites are eating and the poor are starving. That’s how the NRM is operating… while promising to secure people’s future and steady progress. However, nothing ceases to move and no real advances is in the republic. Development projects are stalled, made for wrong purposes or cash-cows for the developers. While the farmers, the added value projects aren’t living up to it’s promises. That’s why him telling this to the pastors, priests and clerics is a bit out of touch.

Otafiire can say and speak ill of the leadership of the churches, that they are taking advantage and being greedy. Some might are using their congregations and churchgoers as a means-to-an-end. However, the same is what the state does to every single citizen. As the state is using the citizens and their poverty to get grants, loans and development funds to cover it’s shortfalls in its bloated budgets.

Otafiire should be concerned how the government he has been a part of much of his life haven’t helped the poor or given them a chance to get out of it. The Maj. Gen. should be shocked that with all this time and opportunities the state haven’t been capable or fixed the policies to ensure a better tomorrow. Nevertheless, that has never happened and with the NRM at the helm… it never will be.

That is why these lectures from Otafiire is insulting. As he has sit by the side of the throne for decades. He has been eating, entitled and enriched himself. Otafiire and the likes are enjoying all the perks of life and can easily access health-care services abroad. While the likes he speaks too cannot even afford Panadol to cure headaches. Therefore, he should ask himself what he could do and what sort of office he serves. As he has power and influence to make a difference, but he chooses not too. Peace.

Opinion: OO’s defence of Muhoozi is pointless…

The government spokesperson and forever lingering subject of the Republic, Ofwono Opondo dropped a piece recently on Uganda Media Centre called: “MUHOOZI KAINERUGABA AND THE TINGLING POLITICAL FLAMES”. This piece is written like it’s still up in the air and in the open what the plan is. Like there haven’t been a “Project Muhoozi” and the machinery is behind his candidacy, even before he get dusted or even tested. That is evident, as his one of the owners and part of the inner-circle by definition of birth, rank and title at this very moment.

Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba is on the rise and is most definitely aiming for his fathers throne. As he speaks of winning the hearts, minds and all of the Republic. His brash and arrogant stances in combination with promises of a political program. Just shows how he intends to stand and be next in line. That’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs have talked of a rebrand of the party to National Progressive Movement (NPM) and the NRM Youth League has already endorsed him. So, everything is on the table and it up in the open.

That’s why it’s striking that OO writes this: “Muhoozi’s admirers, who seem spread countrywide, and calculating possible windfalls, argue that the ‘MK movement’ is spontaneous although many people disagree and insist it’s well-calculated to give it a veneer of legitimacy so as to shield him from accusations of disregarding the constitutional provision which bars serving UPDF soldiers from involvement in open politics” (OO, 08.05.2022).

OO is writing like they are building up a momentum of sorts. That there is sort of organic traction to Muhoozi, which there is not. It is all artificial and OO knows that. It is within reason to be suspicious and question the legitimacy. When one man has held office since 1986 and suddenly in 2022 his son is aspiring to takeover. That is not organic or by the popularity of public opinion. This is another hostile takeover and not a peaceful transition. It is just a mere change of faces within the family and is suited for a monarchy, but not an elected position.

As OO continues later on: “The birthday carnival involving sports activities and merrymaking at venues across Uganda are indicative of latent mobilization which he has said is unstoppable. On his twitter account, Muhoozi has taunted his haters to watch the unfolding events saying “The enemies fought us for so long! They abused me with every name they could find! Now they can’t believe we have taken over the country! We will not stop until we are in complete control!” There’s no doubt, that Muhoozi, a disciplined professional soldier of repute, on his own merit, attracts great attention, and could as well upset the political alignment should he join the fray” (OO, 08.05.2022).

Well, the birthdays, the marathon and everything else is handled by paid performers and inner-circle officials. This is state sanctioned enterprises, which is reflected by the attendance and the need for free food and concerts to get people to show up. This is half-baked rallies to establish Muhoozi as a viable candidate and an aspiring as such. As his soon ticking 50 years old and still haven’t held any office or been active to prove himself. His only gotten advanced in the army and within the State House, because his the First Son of the President.

OO further says: “The widespread perception until evidence is adduced, is that Muhoozi, a serving officer, contrary to the Constitution and laws governing UPDF, is getting involved in what appears to be open politics and not being called to order. Muhoozi and many supporters present their acclaim as a generational shift to save the NRM revolution from decay among the restless young people who constitute over seventy percent of Uganda’s population whose aspirations aren’t being met” (OO, 08.05.2022).

Here is where OO must take people for fools. When everything is up for grabs. Everything is aligned and prepared for it. It is also very unique that a man close to his fifties is speaking and is tie to the youth. While all of his work is being an avenger and a man of ruthless violence. There is nothing in the past of Muhoozi, which is family friendly or of the sorts of peaceful mind. No, he comes to conquer, to destroy and avenge his father. That’s what he does with brutal results.

So, saying Muhoozi represents a generational shift… it is at least one lost generation plus the ones that is growing up today, because of his fathers lingering leadership. The lack of progress and regress is systemic. A part which Muhoozi a part of and is responsible for keeping alive. Muhoozi isn’t a voice of a new generation or of the decaying youth of the Republic. No, his just a continuation of his father with predetermined entitlement and arrogance.

The most ironic part was this: “There is need for NRM cadres to reinvigorate a culture of spirited debates in the marketplace of ideas because open criticism has declined, while obscurantism and dirty tricks become the dominant face of NRM politics. In this vision, ideological and intellectual exchanges should be unencumbered by personal attacks, harsh judgment, need for self-preservation or risk of occupational hazards. The main objective should be to preserve freedom of inquiry. Many leaders in NRM today seem more focused on curbing disagreements within and outside than finding and pursuing a principled ideological correct line to serve NRM and public interest. At the start of 11th parliament in 2021, NRM took its MPs-elect to the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi for an orientation in liberation ideology, patriotism, commitment to national duties, political discipline, and humility in leadership” (OO, 08.05.2022).

The party of which is bound by the decree and orders from it’s chairman and the head of state. That one is supposed to get a new culture of spirited debates. The party of which all rebels and all dissenting voices has either been muted, banned or thrown out. The party that goes after the opposition with violence, pre-emptive arrests, torture and extra judicial killing. That party will suddenly become an open forum of ideas?

Who is OO kidding here? Not me… maybe a few gullible fellows who is sitting sideways on the porch. While the rest of us knows the gist. Muhoozi isn’t a man of free speech. Muhoozi isn’t a man of honour or bravery. No, his a man of brutality and an onslaught of violence. That sort of man will not come in peace and offer a new beginning. That isn’t happening. His not that kind… the leopard doesn’t change it’s spots. This is why the President called himself the “Leopards Anus” and said no one should “touch” him. Therefore, we are supposed to believe this? Now? After 36 years of the stalemate and one-man politicking? That his son will change that?

The ones who believe that must be deluded. The Lt. Gen. has been aspiring and wanting to takeover from his father. It wouldn’t be without a reason the Red Pepper and Daily Monitor closure for a week in 2013 and the exile of Gen. David Sejusa over nothing. That’s because this has been planned and is coordinated. Now the state and the government spokesperson tries to deflect and downplay it.

While it’s all in the open and the man itself is showing his plan on Twitter. His using social media to gain attention and show where he stands. If it is by the bullet or by the bible, which at times seems like both. However, hallow or shallow the faith is or as we all know.. that he swears to the gun and presumably prays for solace in church. Peace.

National Resistance Movement (NRM): NRM Youth League endorsement of Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba (11.05.2022)

Opinion: Muhoozi will not save you…

I hate to be the messenger, but someone has to say it first: Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba will not save you…

Like father like son. He might tell stories, promise elaborate things and promise change. However, don’t count on it. His an arrogant, anger-filled, short-tempered and fierce individual. Who has run his maverick rise in the ranks of the army. An avenger of the father and not a man of mercy.

Muhoozi will not make things better. Only for self justification and enrichment. His self indulged and has been brought up in luxury. He haven’t had the need or the probabilities of hardships. He has maybe had hard times in military schools in the United States and North Korea. Still, that is nothing compared to the peasants and the civilian living from hand-to-mouth. The gig-economy is saving nobody and is only pleasurable for the elites.

When the lack of charisma and lack of honour approaches. You know that a man of this sort of character will bring no good. The only reason his name is at play and is regarded, is because of his family ties and the political dynasty his a part of. Not like he has build bridges, captured hearts or been a revolutionary of any sort of capacity.

His just a soldier showing that he wants to join politics. His a Lt. Gen. who wants to get taken serious and outside of the bounds of the army. He wants to be seen as the successor of his father. Nevertheless, the gig is the gig and you cannot trade that away.

It is said to be lonely at the top, but in some respects this man is at the bottom. His maybe a high ranking official and a Lt. Gen, but the public cannot trust him. The time as the commander of the Special Forces Command he shown his merciless attack on civilians. The SFC has been used to torture, detain and kill. His totally ruthless and that hasn’t changed a single bit. The burning destruction of Kasese and the recent escapades in Karamoja. Only shows he lacks heart and soul, because lives doesn’t count, unless it’s himself or his dear wife.

Muhoozi will never be beloved. His just one of them. One of them men who will kill, destroy and be a brute. There is nothing good about him. At least not what the naked eye can see. His just the epitome of everything wrong with this regime. As he come in huge convoys, expects bottle-service and the finest wines. He participate only with the rich business-men and influential musicians. Alas, his not a man of the people, but just another racketeering soldier wishing to be crowned king.

That’s who he is. He might not say or spell it out. Nevertheless, we know this and should say it. Since he will not be held to account or take any sort accountability for his actions. No, he will no shed tears or mourn the lives his taken. Neither will he repent for the damage, the pain and the suffering he caused to civilians. No, he expect the same people to dance, sing and praise the grounds he steps on.

Muhoozi will never be a proper gentlemen or a statesman. He doesn’t have it in him. This man cannot even fake it or shield his brutal past. No, his a gun-slinger and a vicious man who rather destroy someone, than building them up. That’s who he is and it’s so obvious.

That’s why his wearing the fatigue and hoping people find endearing. Alas, it is not… it’s just the hypocrisy and the levels of intimidation he brings. Because, he know there is no love lost… since there was nothing there to begin with. Peace.

Uganda: FEWS NET projected food security levels as stressed in the Greater Northern Region and a crisis in Karamoja

Staple food prices have continued to increase in recent months and are higher than prices recorded last year and five-year average levels across most of Uganda. Prices of staple sorghum and maize are now significantly above average in several key reference markets across the country. In Karamoja, terms of trade for sorghum against firewood, charcoal, and goats are below average and worse than last year, significantly restricting food access for poor households. After the first season bimodal harvest in June/July, food prices are expected to decline but are now expected to remain above average given expectations for below-average production, increased net exports, and impacts of the war in Ukraine on global supply chains and prices” (FEWS NET, 06.05.2022).

The Cassava Republic is getting hit hard by not only the rising commodity prices, but the weather. The agricultural production will be slowed down and that will hurt the farmers of the regions in the Northern Uganda and in the Karamoja sub-region. That is very evident and FEWS NET together with the World Food Programme is clearly having an oversight here. This here should worry the state, as it has targeted and had a military operation in Karamoja. Which is not mentioned here, but the burning region of Karamoja isn’t having a better times ahead of it. To the contrary things are only getting worse.

The Cassava Republic is also hit with an impactful war, which is not only hitting the exports of wheat, but in general. That’s why prices of commodities will go up and has gone up over the last year. Things are not getting better there either. Just read the quote below, which is a continuation of the first quote from FEWS NET on the matter.

In general, prices of food and non-food commodities have increased notably since late 2021. The main driving factors include rising transportation costs due to increasing fuel prices, seasonally declining market stocks, and reduced production prospects from the upcoming first season harvest following below average rainfall. More recently, impacts of the Russia-Ukraine crisis have driven further fuel price increases and increased the rate of general inflation of food and non-food commodities, further reducing household purchasing power. In March, retail prices of maize grain and sorghum increased farther above five-year average levels. Retail prices of beans and cassava generally remained below average in March, though prices of beans increased by 9-20 percent across monitored markets from February to March” (FEWS NET, 06.05.2022).

Here is the worrying statement:

However, rising food prices will likely result in some higher selling prices for famers, increasing access to income for those with near average production. For pastoralist households, pasture and water availability is expected to improve in May given the forecast of above-average rainfall. Overall, most households in bimodal areas are expected to access sufficient food and income to meet their essential food and non-food needs, with Minimal (IPC Phase 1) outcomes expected to persist at the area level throughout the projection period. However, given revised expectations for a third consecutive below-average production season as well as rising prices of food and non-food commodities including fuel, Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes are now expected to persist throughout much of northern Uganda for the majority of the projection period. In Karamoja, availability of food and income is expected to remain seasonally limited as the lean season progresses. Given delays in the agricultural season, the lean season is now expected to last through July, longer than usual by about three weeks. During this time, insecurity is likely to continue constraining limiting income-earning, including from livestock production and sales. When schools reopen for the new term in early May, households will likely experience some improved food consumption due to WFP’s food and nutrition programming for school children, including school meals, take-home rations, and supplementary food for households with malnourished children. However, food prices are expected to continue increasing through around June until the harvest from bimodal areas begins to boost market supplies, with an increasing number of poor households likely to face consumption gaps and Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes during this time. Though some seasonal price declines are expected following this, prices are expected to remain above average. For many poor Karamoja households, below-average purchasing power will continue constraining access to food from market purchases. Around August/September, the start of harvesting in Karamoja is expected to support improved access to food from own consumption and income from crop sales and reduce the number of households facing consumption gaps, though Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are expected to persist at the area level even during the post-harvest period. Overall, widespread Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are now expected to persist through at least September, with worst-affected households facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes” (FEWS NET, 06.04.2022).

We are seeing changes and the next coming months will be impactful to say the least. As the farmers and everyone else will struggle. There will be lack of food and a distress in some parts of the Republic, but it can become really dire in Karamoja. The Karamoja where the army has attacked, burned villages and gone after the citizens. That’s where things are getting worse and where they will have a terrible food insecurity to the levels of crisis. They can possibly get into Emergency, which should worry anyone. This just really speaks of how the state is failing its citizens and things are not getting any better.

The state should act upon this and think of safeguards. Nevertheless, don’t think they will. They rather send more soldiers and have more birthday bashes for Muhoozi. Than being concerned with the lack of food or ability to plough their fields. No, the state is more busy scheming and enterprising for their own. That’s why this sort of news needs to be spread. Because, the citizens of Karamoja and the Greater North will be hurt by this. That is the message from FEWS NET and it should be heard. Peace.