Opinion: A new Speaker has to be elected before a new plenary or business is transacted in Parliament

The 1995 Constitution in article 82(4) states that no business shall happen in Parliament other than the election of a Speaker at any time the Office falls vacant. Now that it’s official that late Speaker Jacob Oulanyah died in Seattle. The stipulations in the Constitution is clear and sets the parameter of the next actions.

In other parts of the article 82(5) the Chief Justice, which happens to be Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, either himself has to preside of the election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. He can also designate a judge to do it for him in his stead.

What we do know by the other stipulations in the Constitution. The Speaker cannot be a Vice-President or Minister for that matter. Unless, Rebecca Kadaga now resigns from her position. She cannot be re-elected as Speaker. If she would be willing to risk that and again renegade for her own personal interests. Which she did with fielding her candidacy in defiance to the will of her party in 2021. Alas, things can become tense and interesting.

Because, we know things will run with a State Funeral and a transport of the body from the United States and back to Uganda. Where a Committee appointed by the President will preside over the proceedings and functions of the late Oulanyah.

Since he was sick, the Deputy Speaker Anita Among have run the business of the Parliament. While she was expecting a ceremony of forgiveness from Hon. Francis Zaake this up-coming week. That will clearly be abandoned and new things are bound to appear.

The Constitution is setting precedence and there is protocol to follow. The ones who calls this cold-hearted and out of order. Well, if they want an illegal plenary and stop parliamentary business. Then you skip these formalities and opens up a quagmire of problems, which can haunt the transacted business of the August House. The House should be order and it should follow the stipulated laws, as it’s the body, which enacts and proposes new legislation. Therefore, they should be the ones that honours it first and accordingly so.

Some might say… isn’t that mighty Noble and outside of purpose. However, if the 1995 Constitution hadn’t said this in the articles and the laws was reflecting this. I wouldn’t have questioned the legality either. Nevertheless, here we are and the justifications to ask for it is justified. The article 82 is clear in it’s wording and there is little wiggle-room.

The ones speaking of long mourning period and not hold an election for a new speaker. They are void of the fact of the function and the constitutional bound role of the speaker. This is why the importance of doing it and ensure the formalities for business transacting in the August House. That should for matter for anyone who wants things to be done legally and after constitutional order.

Deputy Speaker Among might feel justified to continue, as she has done so in the absence of Oulanyah. Since he fell ill, became bed-ridden and went to hospital, even before he was referred to get treatment in the United States. She has been the one in his stead. However, the law isn’t giving her the rights to automatically get in his stead. The laws are set to have new elections. Meaning new candidates and possible re-election. This can be a hurdle or she have to trade on the goodwill of envelopes of late.

Time will really tell. Nevertheless, we have to see how the 11th Parliament will operate, but if they will act accordingly to the Constitution. They have now one agenda and one objective, which the Chief Justice or the ones he appoints have to preside over. The new election of the new speaker and deputy speaker. Since the seat of the Speaker is now vacant. Peace.

Opinion: We can now await a Omoro County By-Election …

Today it was revealed that Speaker and Omoro Constituency Member of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah had died after months of sickness at the hospital in Seattle, United States of America. Now, the ramifications of it also needs to be addressed. Since, when an MP dies it automatically triggers a By-Election to get someone else to get his office. Alas, that will be the case here.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) first has to have a Primary Election and find a successor as a flag-bearer in Omoro County. Since, the NRM has had Oulanyah running steadily on their tickets since 2011. He has been the sole proprietor of it since then and only had one term in the past as a Uganda People’s Congress MP. Therefore, the NRM got to search for someone eligible there ahead of the polls. As Oulanyah went unopposed in the recent flag-bearer race in Omoro County.

Secondly, we can assess a return of the former loser and runners-up in the 2021 election race. This being Independent candidate Olal Andrew P’obong and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate Terence Odonga. We should expect them returning to the polls and try to sway the voters yet again.

Obong has been reportedly saying this ahead of the 2021 polls:

You may have money, but power belongs to the people and they are the ones to decide. You have seen many strong politicians who have lost elections because they can’t account for their leadership. Leadership is not in a seat, it is how you mobilise your people for development” (New Vision – ‘2021 Polls: Two engineers threaten Speaker Oulanyah’s seat’ (18.06.2021).

We know that this seat has been contested before. In the 2016 General Elections, the then FDC candidate was said to have been kidnapped. The results pronounced even before the official counting. As well, as reports of boxes filled with pre-ticked ballots. Therefore, it is not like he was always a popular and an easy man to hit the polls.

What we can expect is that Olal Andrew P’obong might stage himself as the new NRM Flag-bearer, as he fought for that after moving from the FDC towards NRM in 2021. There is even further speculation that the failed Presidential Candidate and Democratic Party President Norbert Mao might seek re-election as MP and could vie for the Omoro County seat. However, that will be a different seat, as in the past he vied for the Gulu Municipality MP and was their MP between 1996-2006. By doing so, he still holds on to the resolution of only being the MP for Gulu Municipality for two terms. Nevertheless, that is just mere speculations and nothing is broadcasted yet on these matters.

Alas, we know things will move after Oulanyah is out of office and in the ground. There will be moves, the Electoral Commission will notify and prepare a road-map for By-Election on this seat. It will be heavily contested. As this is the first one in the 11th Parliament and a lot of prestige to keep it in the NRM. We can anticipate a much contested as the Arua By-Election in 2018. It would only make sense to think it could be like that. The whole state and whole machinery will do whatever it can to ensure victory. The Special Force Command and army arriving early. To think otherwise is naive and the opposition candidates will be silenced and struggle to have peace while holding rallies.

That is just my anticipations ahead of the polls in the Omoro County. Time will tell, but this inevitable to happen. The Omoro county cannot have a ghost representing it in the 11th Parliament. Peace.

Jacob Oulanyah was supposed to be the voice of the 11th Parliament, but the almighty decided otherwise

The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).

The likes of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah is the kind that aim for the top and titles. He is the sort of strategically goes for the best position and bet. That’s why he was first elected as a Member of Parliament as a Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) in 2001. While after losing re-election in 2006. In the middle of that term he crossed over to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and never looked back.

“Hon. Jacob Oulanyah’s efforts to develop Uganda’s copyright are commendable. However, it is the writer’s opinion that copyright legislation reform should continue to be relevant to domestic objectives by reflecting social values of domestic policies. Its evolution should be adapted by lawmakers to promote present day social values and priorities. A chasm has emerged between copyright law and the social values about culture and it ought to be addressed” (ACODE Policy Briefing Paper No. 10, 2005).

In 2011 he got re-elected to Parliament in 2011 and gotten back to Parliament ever since. He was then elected as Deputy Speaker, which he was for 10 years. Where he severed the interests of the state and served diligently the will of the President. That’s why when he was re-elected in 2021 he became the Speaker of the 11th Parliament. Which he got by the loyalty he had shown to the NRM and the President over the years.

There was a time in Uganda where people had no right of worship. Thanks to President Museveni and the NRM government that ushered in peace and security and promoting right of worship. Christians and all believers in this country should cling onto President Museveni because he protects their right to worship. Make President Museveni your spiritual hero for continued development in Uganda”Jacob Oulanyah (Daily Monitor – ‘Museveni is like Jesus, says Oulanyah’ 24.08.2015).

People will write rosy words about the deceased speaker. It will be all humbling and kind. While he was living he was thriving on the demise of the opposition and the personification of the state. That’s why he was able to go from the an opposition MP in 2001 to the Speaker of Parliament in 2021. Therefore, the NRM will celebrate him and give him a State Funeral.

Oulanyah did what the state and what the President wanted him to do. He served them and was willing to do it at any cost. In his time he and Kadaga allowed Special Force Coammand to attack MPs within the Parliament. He allowed and let the Constitution be revised in 2005 and again 2017.

So, he played the games, which His Excellency wanted him to do. There should be no denying in this. They might say he was a man of integrity and honour, but he still allowed strangers to enter into the chambers. That’s why he accepted violence and harm of other citizens in the service of the state. This should be acknowledged and even if his gone. History will not be kind to this… Just like the day former IGP Kayihura dies. People will remember how he used police brutality and extra judicial killings to silence dissidents and opposition parties in the Republic.

In the same manner, we are now remembering Oulanyah. As he allowed the SFC and the President to violate the Parliament. Those dark days will forever linger, as well, as letting the Magyezi motion and amendment of the Constitution to allow the President to be for Life. The President are now living longer and staying in power beyond the men who let him stay there. That says it all…

However, in his maiden speech as Speaker in 2021 he did say this: “We should agree that no view will be suppressed. All views will be received with tolerance and given fair treatment based on known facts and reason. We must pledge to overrule intolerance” (Oulanyah, May 2021).

Instead of becoming the big-man and being the Speaker of Parliament. He was supposed to be prominent and a loyal cadre of the President this term. That’s why the President and the NRM wanted him there. They wouldn’t want to have a renegade or disloyal person on the throne. He would serve their interests and with that in mind. The speaker would be compensated with all the things he needed. That’s why they spent billions of shillings on the treatment in the United States. The medical transfer and everything else.

This is just another elite and high ranking official that dies abroad. As the state can afford their treatment abroad, but cannot afford to build working hospitals in their own republics. It is only the elites and VIPs who can do this. Therefore, Oulanyah was lucky to have medical facilities and ability to get special transport from Uganda to the USA. There should be no denying this… it is just a part of what is wrong with the system and a system he thrived in.

If Oulanyah would have been alive. He would defend and work for the causes of the President. A man who would stand on the barricades of the silencing of the opposition and stop the exposure of the brutality of the state towards the dissidents. That is the sort of fella Oulanyah was. They will paint him as a saint, but there is more too it. That’s why he was a voice of which the President respected, because he served him diligently.

Oulanyah was a man of the President and not of the Republic. He was a reflection of the President for Life and his tyranny. That’s who the fallen speaker is and his mirrored by the tyranny, which Museveni has brought onto the citizens of the Republic. Some might differ on that, but he has been a cog in the machine and the machinery wouldn’t work, if Oulanyah did serve like he did over the years. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni calls recent “Coups” as “Chaos” [while we are supposed to forget how he got into power]

You should know the story of National Resistance Movement (NRM). The story of NRM is a simple and straightforward story, and it is anchored on three principles. Number one is how do you create prosperity for the people of Uganda and Africa? Secondly, how do you create strategic security? There is a lot of chaos in Africa now. In Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso. The whole of that area, people are dying and running away. There is a reason why those things are happening. Then the third fraternity, in order to be prosperous, you need to love Uganda, you need to love Africa. When you you hear anybody talking in terms of sectarianism, religion and tribe, that’s the enemy of Africa” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (18.03.2022 Kyankwanzi).

It is like President Museveni is trying to sound like an old wise man, but his failing in his attempts. Because, the way he portrays things can easily backfire. It is not like he would be in office or have any sort of legitimacy, if the army and the security organizations didn’t back him. That’s why he wears military fatigue and act like governing is by the gun.

The history of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) was born out of a rebellion against an elected government. It was a bloody civil war that lasted for years in 1980s and parts of the nation was ravished with insurgency and prolonged war in Northern Uganda. Therefore, it took long time to silence the guns and make it peaceful. The skulls of Luweero is only one side of the story and the second is how the NRM has ushered more violence and war in the neighbouring countries like Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Therefore, the strategic security can be questioned itself.

So, that his so condescending against the new military junta’s of Western Africa. We know that he spoken ill about this before and his trying to hammer this in. As we have seen how the military has taken power in Guinea, Burkina Faso and Mali, which was regions that already had insurgency and security issues before these army commanders took power. That’s why Museveni is simplifying things to fit his narrative.

We know he had a bloody war and bloodshed, which ravaged the Republic of years. Even years after he took power in 1986 and beyond it. People are still dying for the political conscience in the Republic and being arrested for it too. So, it is not like his a democratic and a man of principal in this sense. Only when it benefits his interests, but that shouldn’t shock anyone.

His a man of coups and coup d’etat’s, but his still talking like he won power legitimately. Alas, we know if it wasn’t for the guns and the ammunition … he wouldn’t be where he is if the army or the militia’s wasn’t behind his banner. That’s how he toppled several of leaders and heads of state in Uganda. As well, as doing the same in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This is why when he speaks of strategic security … it for his benefits and continue to linger in power. While his speaking like this to his Foreign Envoys like we are not supposed to know how he participated in toppling Idi Amin, Godfrey Binaisa, Yusuf Lule, Paolo Muwanga and Milton Obote. That’s without mentioning the demises of which he helped outside the Ugandan borders. These are important too, as he tried to get leaders and head of state’s, which would be in his interests there as well. Therefore, when Museveni speaks of chaos. He has brought the same to Uganda and neighbouring countries over the years.

So, this man shouldn’t lecture or talk condescending about the new leaders of West Africa. He was like them in 1980s and 1990s. The old man can act like he lessons or lectures on things, but certain things he is the most experienced in. Because, his whole past …. is filled with it. Peace.

Opinion: Babalanda don’t know her own party…

Many of us who are leaders have failed to read, let alone internalise the four chore principles of NRM and as a consequence, we have become lazy yet we could do things right. These principles and guidelines by President Museveni as the NRM chairperson is the gospel that leads us. These principles are patriotism, Pan Africanism, economic transformation and democracy” (… ) “We are dealing with unpatriotic leaders. It is a betrayal of the great revolution” (…) “However the President’s office has made headways in spreading the message of patriotism. In this period we have had so many trainings conducted in this direction. I urge you the committee members to embrace patriotism and renounce acts of theft, negligence and violence” – The Minister for Presidency Milly Babalanda (Franklin Draku – ‘Corrupt leaders betraying NRM revolution – minister’ 17.03.2022, Daily Monitor).

We know that these sort of words are often said by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He has spoken of it and lectured about it. This is the sort of typical topics of the President. These sorts of themes are common. So, that the Minister of Presidency is spelling it out isn’t surprising. She said it herself, there been plenty of trainings, conferences and at other venues.

That honourable Babalanda is saying these things aren’t shocking or anything. It is more repeating what Museveni has been saying. While that is fine and dandy, the National Resistance Movement and the regime isn’t directly working for all of these principals. Neither is it working to stop people from thieving, negligence of office or stopping violence. All of these three things are done by the NRM on a regular basis.

The Minister should just look into the cabinet and appointees, which happens to be NRM members. This is all going from the State House to the Local Governments. It is like Bablanda should just look into Muhwezi or anyone else for that matter. There are several of candidates that has been spewing violence and thriving on it. That is going from the top and the fear is what keeping the NRM alive it seems.

This is why Babalanda is saying the right things. However, she is oblivious to this fact. That is very clear or she’s looking sideways. It is funny that she says these things are unpatriotic. While she could deem these things are about her close associates and allies. The ones in her midst who is eating of the plate of the government and who is using their role to enrich themselves. People came into power piss-poor, but leaving this life richer than King Salomon. So, I am just sneezing, as the scandals and the lost funds doesn’t disappear. Neither does the reports of paying ghosts and not following protocol in concern to public tenders. Therefore, the Minister should look into that as well.

We know these sorts of statements are the sort of way of boosting yourself and trying to be vibrant. It is the sort of saying all the rights things, but we know these won’t matter in the grand scheme of things. Not like she will push the President or anyone else with a high ranking position. There are plenty who has committed these sins, but never had to atone for them.

That’s why it’s really spicy to call it unpatriotic to do it. Because, that implies the members and high ranking official who does this isn’t in accordance with their patriotic duties. All of us know that those things are bad, but the NRM thrives on it and get loyal leaders to commit to it. Therefore, we know the words of the Minister isn’t really true.

It is a nice sentiment, but it is like throwing stones in a glass-house. Not a good look, but a look it is. Peace.

Opinion: There more people than Norman who will disturb the Peace of His Excellency

It is the charges against Tumuhimbise Norman and Faridah Bikobere that are seditious. Both were tortured like the other journalists with whom they were arrested on Thursday 10th March, 2022 and released on police bond yesterday. Remanded to LUZIRA prison until Monday 21/3/2022” (Kiiza Eron, 16.03.2022).

Today the journalists Norman Tumuhimbise and Faridah Bikobere was charged and continues to be in custody until 21st March 2022. They have by that time already served equivalent time of 11 days in prison for the what they are charged with.

They are both charged on two counts, “Cyber Stalking” with wilfully, maliciously and repeatedly used electronic communication to wit Alternative DigiTalk Online Television which was directed against the President. The second charge was “Offensive Communication” which was directed to disturb the peace and quiet of the President.

When you read charges against these two. You have a hard time taking it seriously. Because, these sorts of things should only happen in fiction. However, this is non-fiction and reality. Where people are charged for these things.

It is sad when a supposed liberator and a freedom fighter does this to his citizens. The man who is supposed to have liberated them and given them fundamental change. Nevertheless, maybe that was all a lie and his just like the men he overthrew. Because, that is how things seems by the day. There is no difference between him or anyone he deposed back-in-the-day. His just like them…

That’s why the truth is piercing his skull. It damages his calm and he needs to address it. Since, he cannot use words or defend his actions. He rather order the authorities and silence the dissidents. Where he uses the authorities and the power of the security organizations to suppress the ones ho dissent.

Not that this is anything new. The same sorts of charges was put on Joseph Kabuleta and Dr. Stella Nyanzi. Therefore, we has this all happen before. Now it is just some new fellows who dares to question the President and his reign.

Let it be perfectly clear. Norman and Faridah is not alone in this. They are just the current ones who is vocal and in the firing line. However, there is more people out there that will disturb the peace of the President. There is more to come… since his reign will not last forever and the truth will set the Republic free.

You can only fake it for so long. The truth is getting exposed and the viciousness of his regime is just proven over and over again. The use of drones, torture and killing civilians for the political conscience cannot last forever. That is the mere reality of it. What Norman and others does is to shed a light on it.

That light the President prefers dim and not turned on. Sort of like his cadres who is blindly follow his every decree. Peace.

Opinion: Aye yo! The Movement wasn’t built for the up-coming generations…

If there is a youth (in Uganda) who is not NRM, they must have a problem in their head. Without the NRM, those youths would be what the Banyankore call Kaributi (the late). Many of them would have died in infancy” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (08.03.2022).

On the Woman’s Day of 2022 and in the speech on the National Celebration of the day. President since 1986 had to address everyone else. While also showing his disregard for many citizens in the Republic. Since, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) isn’t as popular as it ones was and certainly the youths aren’t seeing any of the promised progress, which is forever been pledged at any campaign since the 1990s.

The youths of the Republic has every reason to be dissatisfied, disgruntled and disembark from the Movement. A movement that left them behind and haven’t given them any reason to be loyal to the cause. Since, they are not the category or the ones who are eating of the plate. They are neither in the calculations or in the bargain of investments. Their equity and ownership is deluded, devalued and sold easily to third parties. Who can get access and live in comfort, while the average youth cannot come out of poverty, hardships or excel to any sort of place of middle-income life-style. Therefore, there is no reason to trust the Movement or the NRM as a youth.

The Youth are being tricked, sold and taken for granted. Their future is traded, loaned and the youth have to pay with interests. Since, the current state is taken up loans that it cannot cash. There isn’t domestic revenue and neither a promised pay-off, which will cover the spiralling debts. Debts and loans, which the old man and his cronies are eating off from. The debt that the next generation has to pay off and with additional fees as well. Heck, if they don’t, then they will loose collateral or the little leverage they have.

The President haven’t delivered a promising future for the youth. So, why should they stick to his programs and pledges? Why should they belong to a party, which have abandoned them? If it hasn’t left them behind. One of their siblings, relatives or friends has been touched by drones, abducted, kidnapped and charged for their political activism. Why should they sell their soul and their minds to a party that does this to their own?

That’s what the President and his like doesn’t get. It can torture, detain and silence critics, activists and political leaders. However, youth aspires to these people and feeds of their energy. Because, the ideals of these people lives among them. The NRM is living among the elites and the NRA veterans. They are not in the trenches, ghettos or lost suburbs. No, they are only their for a minute during campaigns and giving away T-shirts. Before returning back to a State Lodge. Therefore, the President has little to nothing to offer…

It isn’t the youths problem that the Movement isn’t selling. It is the Movement’s problem that it is viable for the youths. It is the President fault and the correct line, which is entail the suffering and the plights of people, which the party and the government has forgotten. That’s why the youth isn’t aspiring to it or feeling a connection with the Movement. Why should they? What is there to gain? Other than blind loyalty and hopes for a plumb-job in far distant future?

Well… that isn’t much and the sacrifice is so big too. You have to give up your ideals to serve a party and it’s leader. While not subscribing to the honest truths of the organization. That is the gist of it. While friends, family and neighbours are in pain, because of the regime. This is why the problem isn’t the youth, but the party, which doesn’t serve them nor their communities. Peace.

Opinion: Project Muhoozi is moving to the next chapter

After 28 years of service in my glorious military, the greatest military in the world, I am happy to announce my retirement. Me and my soldiers have achieved so much! I have only love and respect for all those great men and women that achieve greatness for Uganda everyday” (Muhoozi Kainerubaga, 08.03.2022).

The first son and Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is on Women’s Day announcing his retirement from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). This means the UPDF Commission and institutions has to be notified and told about the retirement. As the military career is suddenly over and his becoming a civilian. Alas, his still the third ranking Lt. Gen. who happens to be the Commander of Land Forces (CLF) and previous leading the Special Forces Command (SFC). Which is making today very unique.

Because, since 2013 there has been smoke and mirrors. There been slowly growing movements of his rising power. Where he has gotten momentum and more prestigious titles. He has gone up in rank and in responsibility. While only holding the Senior Presidential Advisor title at home. Therefore, we knew things was happening and in the cards.

Gen. David Sejusa aka Tinye aka Tinyefuza warned the general public in letters, which was so grading and so confidential. That the Daily Monitor and Red Pepper was ceased for a week after releasing the first one. Heck, the General had to flee into exile and lived in London for a stint too.

What Muhoozi should consider is that his time in the army and becoming a civilian will come with a cost. He will always be questioned by the actions of the SFC and whatnot. The former Lt. Gen. cannot act like he doesn’t have blood on his hands or have used violent means towards civilians, which can be deemed as terror or torture. Therefore, Muhoozi will now carry on to another office.

Muhoozi will get the next chapter into becoming a civilian and another high ranking official in the government. Where he will have the space and opportunity to evolve. So, the ones paying the gigs and praising brigade of Muhoozi will staunch his every move. They will praise him like a demigod. That’s who he is to them and they are creating an image of greatness, even when he hasn’t created anything substantial. Neither, does he have an impeccable record as an army commander. No, his just been a raunchy and loud individual who happens to have rank.

The ones that believe anything good comes out of this. They are fools. There is nothing good coming out of this. It is the eventualities of a succession plan and a monarchy ticket. That’s all there is and the National Resistance Movement will either be what it is or be rebranded to the new kingpin. Because that is what it all is. Just like there was an UPM and it had to become NRA before it was successful. The same will be with Muhoozi and his fellow cronies. They will dance and sing the songs he wants them too. However, they will not give any service or care to the designated office, which he will happen to take. Some other unlucky permanent secretary or fixed bureaucrat has to lift the burden away from the first son. Because, it is not like his enlightened or have the wits to capture it.

Muhoozi will go to “greener” pastures now, but don’t expect it to graze the fields quietly. No, he will come with all the big-guns and gravitas of his unceremonial presence. This man will not make strides or go through tribulations to go anywhere. No, this man will go without any hurdles or re-runs to get there. The way has already been paved and he can just walk on the tarmac as we speak. While someone else made the road and prospects of getting to that point. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee says it colonialists fault for him torturing civilians today…

Asked to comment on Kakwenza’s, and other critics’ torture allegations, Museveni said that he has confirmed some incidents of torture although he had not yet followed up on the former’s case. “It is true that some people were tortured. I have not confirmed on that one (Kakwenza), but I have confirmed some other cases, and I took it up,” Museveni said. Adding, “You see, part of the problems of Africa is capacity building, we are building armies and security forces. These sometimes come with traditional ideas from the village or they get imported ideas from the former colonialists. For instance, the Police Force which was here during the colonial times; they were using those methods.”” (Jonah Kirabo – ‘Museveni blames Kakwenza’s torture on traditional ideas, colonialism’ 07.03.2022, Nile Post).

We are living in 2022 and the Republic was liberated in 1962. It has been 50 years since the United Kingdom held the Republic of Uganda as it’s protectorate. The “British enclave” which President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni usually refers it too. That’s why it’s astonishing that a man who has held power since 1986. Is blaming the relics of old, as if he couldn’t have changed it or the traditions of the security agencies in the Republic. If that was true… then his really powerless in office.

I have already proven in previous articles through human rights reports, that the National Resistance Army and National Resistance Movement has used torture as a method all through its’ reign. Yes, the NRM has enacted laws that makes it illegal. While the same government keeps institutions, safe-houses and organizations unaccountable for torturing civilians without due process or legal justification.

There is clear indication that the Security Agencies are using torture, keeping citizens incommunicado and kidnapping them. Just like the “Panda Gari’s” did and we in this day and age call them “drones”. While the citizens are kept in dungeons, safe-houses and whatnot where they are tortured with methods that is “Kandooya”, which is still prevalent to this day. Therefore, the President can claim “colonialists” inspired this, but he instead has kept the operation and the means of Amin. That’s the tragedy here… which he claims to have ushered in a new era post Amin and Obote II governments.

Museveni promised a “fundamental change” but only difference was a bus and a “heroic” tale of 27 guns of the NRA. The rest is just hogwash and sold out ideals on the alter of massive wealth for the inner-circle of the President. The rest is hanging and getting breadcrumbs of the initial promises of old. The pledges and promises haven’t been kept and the governing is more of the same. While dissidents, activists and political opponents are meeting the grave reality of harassment, torture and legal jeopardy, as they try to stand tall in a battle of the political space. Therefore, NRM and Museveni haven’t achieved or made it possible to be better.

The Museveni era and reign will be remembered for the amount of pain, suffering and hurt it has caused. The damaged lives, the loss of limbs and the suffering that certain parts of the Republic has. While others been living lavish in Kololo or elsewhere. Because, they was part of the elite and the clientele that served the President wisely.

The rest is getting the blunt and unforgiving force. They can all be taken away, swiftly and eruptly without any forewarning or warrants on their heads. No, the state can just take them and punish them for their political stance or their opinion online. It is enough justification to go after someone and take them down. Since they offended the Don or his avenging Son.

That’s why it’s hard to believe that this is the fault of others. When the system is built by the means of His Excellency and he has never disbanded these efforts. Peace.

Opinion: The Apex Platform is the epitome of what is wrong with the NRM

NOTE: The Apex Platform is an Executive Decision-Making body whose decision shall be communicated accordingly by the Secretariat as directed by H.E. the President. The Apex Platform shall address the issues referred to it by Cabinet and report back by way of a Cabinet Information Paper” (APEX Manual).

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhurwa Museveni has been in-charge and in-power since 1986. The Cabinet is huge, the Presidential Advisors are countless and Parliament is to big for its chambers. Therefore, the President has many hands, ministries, parastatals or state owned enterprises (SOEs). Heck he has created so many government bodies, oversight commissions and whatnot. However, with every withering year they are not creating anything.

Now, the officiating the APEX Platform, which he is set to be at the inaugural meeting, which will be convened soon, I suppose. As all the stakeholders and participants will ensure they are part of the new body.

That shall be chaired by the President, the Vice President, Office of the President, Office of Prime Minister, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and National Planning Authority.

In addition other permanent members of APEX is:

– Ministry of Public Service (MoPS)

– Ministry of Local Government (MoLG)

– Office of Auditor General (OAG)

– The Attorney Generals Office (AG)

– Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS)

– A Representative of the Private Sector and Think Tank Organization coordinated by the OWC (Operation Wealth Creation)

When you a see a list like this… and all the government entities in it and the OP & OPM. The clear indication is that the APEX will be a decree or a presidential directive organization. As the chair and head is him. This isn’t governing better, but making the government more hectic. As the President isn’t trusting the entities and needs another oversight body to look into the government entities.

This is made to ensure the implementation of Vision 2040, but we know the APEX Platform won’t make much different. It is just a fancy meeting place, which sounds good, but isn’t it. Apex will not make a difference in the long run. Since it is the same government bodies and following the direction of the President. This is just using the Ministries and Government Bodies to have a semi-annual gathering and meetings. It is just a glorified caucus and a new Executive Body.

What is striking is that it’s created because of the struggle of lack of implementation of goals, visions and planned programs of the state. However, this is only creating more hurdles and mechanisms, which is adding bureaucracy that will not add any value. Except for having another secretariat and possible busy-bodies working for Apex. Even if the already mandated government bodies has follow up, which is mentioned in the manual. It is still proving … that the lack of good structure or personalized issues of the state is going all back to the President.

This is following up the Presidential Decrees and Orders. They are following the Executive and his will. This is just making it a magnificent body to do it. Peace.