Opinion: Museveni won’t retire…. [and we have heard this all before]

Please you people, I want to go and look after my cows. Create a centre of gravity, I push you there, then I go and look after my cows” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the 6th July 2021

We have heard this all before… this is not shocking or anything sincere. This President is unofficially in his 8th Term. President Museveni have ruled the nation since 26th January 1986. He has been the supreme moolah since the 1980s bush-war. That’s who he is and there is no real signals for a succession or him slowing down. There speculations into the “Project Muhoozi” and the continued promotions of Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is a possible sign for that. They want to build a dynasty and run Uganda as a family enterprise.

Well, this President have abolished the term limits, the age limits and “won” six Presidential Elections since 1996. Not like this man is retiring. There been more people of his generation actually dying than him stepping down.

The young nation of Uganda is run by a man of the advance age. Who has total control of the army, but sooner or later something got to give. His in his 70s and ageing. Not like he has found the fountain of youth or become more likeable. No, his the same old tyrant coming with empty promises.

This man has promised greatness, pledge everything under the sun and haven’t delivered much. His most significant state programme, the 10 point programme hasn’t even been delivered and the ones picking up from where he left. Has not only a devastation debt, horrific atrocities and human rights abuses. With the lack of laws and protocols, as the state is personalized to Museveni. Therefore, the next Head of State have to fix that and ensure the state is sharing power. Not having all power within one office and one person. Because, that is one of the main reasons why things aren’t moving forward, but backwards instead.

President Museveni would not retire, even if the East African Confederation became a thing. Because, he would only accept that, if they crowned him king of East Africa. That’s what he dreams of and wants to be the ruler of all. He believes that everyone is more dumb and naive. That he needs to guide us all. Deep in his heart, if the United Nations was more powerful. He would have tried to be the Secretary General of the UN. However, he knows it isn’t that big of deal and that’s why he hasn’t tried to become that…

President Museveni will not retire. He will either die a natural death, be assassinated or get toppled in a coup d’etat. There will be no peaceful transition. As long as this man has the arms and guns on his side. Everyone else is just to bow to their king. That’s all he needs and he isn’t concerned about others.

He just hopes he can corrupt enough hearts and minds to continue his reign. That will continue until his heart stops. There is no official end… it will just happen sporadic and there will be certainty after his fall. That’s because the President made things like this and his ego couldn’t give way to anyone else. Peace.

Pastor “Mama” Janet Returns: The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants continues!

At some point this got to stop. Because this doesn’t make sense. I don’t know why someone who has this role and place in society acts like this. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the President cannot score many or any points with this.

That the First Lady Janet Museveni is writing like she’s a Pentecostal preacher and singing the hymns of Watoto Church. Just held her sermon and communion with the “Born Again” there. Because, something got to give.

We know perfectly well and this is not funny. She’s wife of the dictator and the tyrant. The only reason she has a role in government and in the public is because of her marriage. She’s been appointed by her husband to be a minister and be in position. Not because of her vast knowledge or experience. No, that you can throw out of the window.

On the 5th July 2021 the Nile Post published a opinion piece of hers. Where she mixes, God and Patriotism like oil and water. Where she goes from acting holy and being patriotic within sentences. She even talks of various of means of fighting for your country. After speaking in debt of Gods design and whatnot.

That’s why it’s astonishing that she writes this:

If you are an adolescent boy at school like the girl I just talked about, you ensure you are an astute student, you lead others to refuse to wear torn trousers because Uganda does not respect those who mock our poor people by making a fashion of what our people wear because of poverty. You refuse long dirty hair because Ugandans are descent Africans who beautify God’s creation and not denigrate the African beauty to make Ugandans (Africans) look ugly, mad or hopeless” (Janet Museveni – ‘Janet Museveni to youth: Don’t wear ‘damage’ jeans, they mock the poor’ 05.07.2021).

First off, fashion changes and so does the times. Janet is old and forget this part. Some modern fashion of the day, which is a world wide phenomenon. Torn-Jeans is for some reason a fashion symbol. Not that’s my thing either, but its a symbol. Just like skinny-jeans was IT a moment ago and other fads that comes and goes. That’s not my cup of tea, but I don’t bug out about either.

Secondly, the poor have torn clothes and cannot afford to buy so much clothing. That is natural… and because the poor have to prioritize their spending with caution. They don’t have a safety-net or social security, neither a state who gives them allowance or have programmes to bring them out of poverty. That’s where Janet’s and her husbands government have failed the poor. Which is more a mockery of them, than ever wearing a torn piece of clothing.

That’s why her statement is insulting and insinuating. It is projecting actually. Mama Janet want people to believe wearing torn clothes is an insult to the nation and to the poor. However, her government and her regime have not helped them out of poverty. Even if they have had over 35 years to make it happen with help of the United Nations, Bretton Woods Organizations and all the NGOs of the world. Still, they have not had the capacity to stop poverty or bring more people out of the gig-economy.

Still, it is disgusting and a destruction of Gods creation to wear torn jeans. Wouldn’t that imply that the poor person is destroying it too? Not only the wealthy one wearing the fashion-fad? Because, they are both wearing it. One because of they are out of pocket and the other because they can spend out of their pocket.

Last point, how dare you as a representative say someone makes things ugly, mad or even hopeless? Shouldn’t you and your government help these people. Give them shelter and opportunities to get a proper livelihood?

That’s how I see this. “Mama” Janet please take these words to heart:

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? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7, 3-5, New International Version).

Because those verses is saying what you just did. You have mansions, State House, State Lodges and vast enterprises. Your family is running the Republic and done so for over 3 decades. Still, you cannot help people out of poverty. That is the ugly truth and the reality here.

You shouldn’t educate on how people wear clothes. “Mama” Janet you should ensure people a proper livelihood, shelter and food on their tables. So, that the next generation can have a better life. Instead your preoccupied as the elite looking into the smaller things. Fixated on torn clothes, instead of the issue of why people are poor and what’s missing to get people into a better life. Peace.

Opinion: When they don’t want to pin the assassins on the cross they point at the ADF

This a very common case and especially with the authorities in the Republic. After a high ranking or a public murders/assassinations. The Uganda Police Force (UPF) is showing up people charged and implicated in the cases. However, they are never sentenced or closing the cases. The murders or assassinations gets cold and the killers are on the loose.

That’s because the boda-boda assassinations are in on it and ordered to do it. They are well-trained and equipped to handle their mission. These have tracked and followed their victims. Therefore, they know their routes and routines. That’s why it’s easy to find a spot and time to make them stop.

This is how everything seems. The ones who becomes vocal or a worry of the state. Is just suddenly meeting their maker. The people who are doing it often or most likely are former Allied Defence Force (ADF) affiliates or combatants. That is what the UPF is saying after the fact and in the beginning of the spin.

It just happens to be a combatant with a funny nick-name and who has trespassed the Republic. Who happened to be engaged in local politics and had the knowledge of the high ranking officials. That was a big target and would a positive measure to create a public outcry. However, ADF is busy causing massacres and keeping their territory intact in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are known for their vicious attacks and also massacres in Beni. Therefore, it takes a special character to always have enough combatants to kill unique targets inside Uganda.

That’s why you know the UPF is full of horse-shit. They are pulling a trick and thinking they can lie like this. Because, if they did investigate the assassins and find them. Than they could quickly find out who hired them and who ordered the murders. That would implicate some other people, which doesn’t want to be named or even be close to the blood. The bloodshed and the murders are supposed to happen in such a manner. That the general public are frightened and in fury. The ones fallen have a following and people know them. That’s why there is a need for answer, but the acts will quickly forgotten.

That’s what the state is playing along with. There is new cases and new assassinations. That happens before the old ones are solved. There been murders of woman in Entebbe. Muslim Clerics, high ranking officials and other extra judicial killings, which has never been answered. They are just fallen civilians without justice. Their lives haven’t been answered for and their demise is just in the unknown.

Still, time and time again the UPF is implicating some ADF combatants for these assassinations. It just happens that they are never captured or officially sentenced. That’s why it seems like a lot of smoke and very little action. The Police just telling stories, but not proving the cases… or showing any legit evidence.

That’s why we are not whiffed and neither should Gen. Wamala Katumba. He knows this perfectly well and his in the middle of this regime. The man who was so close to get killed, but lost his daughter and personal driver. Still, he knows this is nonsense. Because, these stories have been recycled so many times and its not funny anymore.

It is time for police to do actually policing. However, in these cases we know they are not willing to do so. Because, if they started on the leads and looked at the evidence. They could easily get to places they are not supposed too. That would tarnish their roles and possibility to even be appointed and be in the good graces of the system. This is why nothing ever really happens with this cases and it’s a continuation of these tragic affairs.

Murders and Assassinations gone cold and forgotten. Cases never solved and justice never served. That is the reality of this all. However, the same police has all resources in the world to collect, charge and detain political opponents of the state. Heck, they can pre-emptive arrest them at will. That shows their mismanaged priorities. While always claiming former ADF combatants are involved. Peace.

Opinion: Ministry of Health – Deliver the goods and not just talk…

The Ministry of Health and Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine have promised greatness and huge results during the pandemic. This being the usage of donations in 2020 and International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans to cover the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Health should instead of talking…. ACT. The state, the National Resistance Movement and everyone who ensures the hospitals and health centres are working. The Government of Uganda (GoU) needs get checked and questioned. Especially, when the hospitals lacks the basics. Neither prepared for a second wave of the pandemic.

It isn’t like the GoU and MoH should have made things possible. They should have covered the allowances and hazard pay for the health care workers. The same should be with educating nurses for the ICU and procure more ICU beds. Secondly, get ventilators, bigger production of oxygen and buy vaccines by the truck-loads. Instead of waiting for gifts and donations from the International Community. While the state is borrowing huge loans to cover for this.

That’s why the Ministry of Health, the government and all the bureaucrats needs to get help from the “high above”. They need to get the hold of the funds and capacity to actually do what is needed. Instead of seeing people dying because they are not getting in time to the hospital. Some even get to the hospital, but the lack of oxygen kills the loved ones. Instead of giving them a little more time to heal and catch the needed breath.

The MoH and GoU needs to man-up and take responsibility. They have failed their citizens. The Hospitals and the health care system was crashing before the pandemic. The pandemic is only exposing it and showing the dire distress. It is the innocent and the tax-payers who is not getting what they are deserving. These deserve to get treatment and healing from the virus. They shouldn’t die in the hospital, because the state didn’t prepare or spend needed funds to make it operational. They instead spend it on SUVs and Elections….

That’s how it seems. Dr. Atwine and the likes needs to fix the problems and not whine over this in a press release. They should instead of jumping behind the barricades and go into self-defence. The Permanent Secretary should go over to the State House and beg for more money. Should ask for funds from the Confidential Funds or whatnot. So, that she can procure, ensure training and equipment that can save lives.

That they should do, if that matters and if they want to stop the medical tourism, which is always a saving grace for VIPs and the elites. Therefore, the MoH and GoU better get a grip. They have borrowed twice from the IMF to save themselves during the COVID-19. Instead of spending directly on the necessary on Health Care. It goes to everywhere else and for whatever causes the state see fit.

That’s why the MoH sucks and the GoU is corrupted. They are not willing to invest or using loans to save lives. That is the proof and the Permanent Secretary have to responsibility together with all of the Ministers running the Ministry. They are all chefs and this is the dish they are serving. It is not tasty or a fine dining meal. It is fast-food and sometimes the plate isn’t even delivered. However, the Ministry is still billing the citizen who arrives at the hospital. That is the sad reality and this got to change. Peace.

Opinion: 100k shillings and stumbling…

The Government of Uganda (GoU) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have no approved an programme where they give “vulnerable” a voucher of 100,000 shillings. This is based out of a “Basket Calculation Formula”. This voucher is supposed to cover maize/posho, beans, bars of soap, cooking oil and other expenditure.

What is striking is how half-baked this voucher is. As the NRM and the Government seems to only doing it on a weird merit. They are not considering the costs of UMEME, Rent or anything else. Not like 20k is covering that. Because, the voucher is based on covering food for a month for 80k. That means the 20k is covering for everything else. I wonder, if that pays the boda-boda for dropping off the food during the lockdown? No additions for transport fees or even other costs. Which is still liable for… as the lockdown prolongs and the citizens cannot go to the market and make the funds to pay these bills.

This basket calculation formula is really a basket case. It isn’t functioning for a real family. This is just based on a fixed sum of funds to give the vulnerable. The vulnerable, which is based on 13 categories and you can wonder if the state an find these people. The citizens who they have put on that list. Isn’t the ones that is paying vat or being registered to authorities. The state can find out who is hired and works in a bar, but finding street-vendors and hawkers. That is a mission in its own. Doubt they are registered somewhere…

The government will really struggle to find these workers and the ones within the gig-economy who is struggling. Unless, they are planning to send the RDCs and RPC to the ghettos and streets to see if anyone is there. Secondly, if they are going to send out forms and applications to the people now to figure out, who is working where and whatnot.

This is when you know things are dire and distress. The state knew the gig-economy been the driver. The system is exposed and the needs are vast. This 100k shillings drive will not resolve things, but only patch the hurt for a minute. It is not like this solve the bills or the running expenses while awaiting release out of lockdown. This is a shot at the moon and aiming for the stars.

If the state had made a significant plan and shown character on this. It would have made sense. If they had a plan of serious amount of money and actually game-changing. Also, ensured all other expenses was covered. That there was a suspension of costs and the burdens on electricity, water and other utilities. That could have helped. Not to mention gas and possible petrol. As the black-outs is not stopping during the lockdowns.

Therefore, this is a hack-job and no matter where you twist or turn. It is a questionable act. As it cannot be measured or even processed. There is so much you can doubt and the state is never prepared. Just like it was never prepared or had the systems in order for the food deliveries in the first lockdown last year.

The idea itself of a voucher and a cash-check to the citizens during a lockdown isn’t dumb. However, the set-up and the premise, which the state delivers is foolish. It is so bureaucratic. That parts of me wonders if they will find all the bouncers, the street-vendors and hawkers in time to drop the shillings to them. Before its to late and the bureaucrat is buying the New Vision from them again on the way to work.

For God and For Country. Well, for God and have mercy upon us. They don’t know what they do. Show us your grace and shelter us in need. Amen. Peace.

Opinion: Some folks won’t cry at your funeral

Many men, many, many, many, many men

Wish death ‘pon me

Lord I don’t cry no more

Don’t look to the sky no more

Have mercy on me” – 50 Cent – ‘Many Men’ (2003)

This weekend have shown a sentiment and a wish that plenty of people has. Not that any of it was true. Still, people played along and saw it. I am sure people have seen the rumours of death and hospitalization of high ranking officials.

There was speculations of the death of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and a hospitalization of his son Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga at the Nairobi Hospital. Both are apparently false and was fake news. Though it was spread through the web and even hit the headlines.

There was even those defiant ones where they triumphantly said the President was alive, because he addressed a online summit. Also, journalist had to make a call to his son to verify that he was well and preparing to be the third in command of the army.

So, things have not really changed, but this is showing what many people wishes. There will be plenty of people out there. That will not cry or be sad when their demise is happening. It will be vast amount of people who looks forward to the final fall and the last “goodbye”.

These rumours wouldn’t be spread and shared, if there wasn’t a sentiment behind it. This is wishful thinking. People are wishing death on these ones. There are people who wish for their demise and the last breath.

It is not strange… considering all the ones who has been touched, who has lost their loved ones and all the ones who has struggled because of the Self-Styled President for Life. They want to see his end and cannot wait for it to happen.

What is also striking is the ill-will towards the son. The anointed one and the one who has been allowed to run wild with Special Forces Command and now will have a huger influence of the army. They also hoping for his demise too. There many who want to stop the idea of a dynasty as well.

Clearly, the state should be aware. There are plenty who is not there to give him the roses, but is ready for the casket drop. They are ready to see him and they will not shed a tear. That says it all… and should be a reminder about how your legacy will be as well.

When many men wish death on you… then you know your a hate dude. Your not a beloved person of the family or the greater society. When people wish upon final destination and the entry of the afterlife. They are also ready for the demise of his son as well.

That says a lot and rumours like this only shows how people behave and how they want this to stop. They are tired of his reign and his prolonged time in office. This Presidency have been going for over 35 years and still counting.

So it is not strange… but just shows what is simmering under the surface. The NRM needs to be reminded of this. They are feeding a dying horse and at one point this sentiment might boil over. Peace.

Opinion: The FDC needs to grow a pair

The current Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) high ranking officials needs to grow up and take their losses on the chin. Today’s news of possible dismissal of FDC MPs accepting Shadow Cabinet positions is foolish at best.

This coming from the same party, which have appointed Shadow Cabinets with MPs from other parties. So, this just shows a lack of growth or maturity from the current leadership. Yes, the FDC wasn’t consulted. Nevertheless, the FDC haven’t been willing to meet or greet the National Unity Platform (NUP) on earlier meetings either. Secondly, the FDC have retaliated and questioned the NUPs credentials and their agenda.

Therefore, that Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda is calling out like this. After what Nathan Nandala-Mafabi have done in the post-election. They have both been on the warpath with the NUP. These two have been comrades in talking ill of the NUP and their actions. While never accepting anything its doing. Neither, have it taking it lightly that none of the MPs was appointed to committee’s.

That’s why today’s words was striking. That they went this way. When the NUP have invited FDC. It has been seen as non-important and as a obstacle. This seems to be the same reasons for why FDC can avoid or even boycott IPOD. However, when FDC is appointed as the leader of IPOD. Than it becomes an important thing…

This sort of pattern is tiring. The FDC leadership better grow up. Especially, as this is supposed to the party who has for ages been in the battle and fought the dictatorship. The ones who can educate and show how things are done. They could show some heart and skill.

They should be happy that Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga have considered 7 MPs from the FDC. He could have picked several more from his own party the NUP. He could have filled the ranks. Still, he appointed surely in talks with his own and own their merits to various of positions. However, this is not good enough for the FDC.

Now… suddenly… the FDC wants to meet and drink tea. Who are they kidding here? What sort of game is this? Maybe FDC National Executive Committee (NEC) needs to have an extraordinary meeting to figure out the way to be a ordinary opposition and not the leader of it. Since, this is the first time in ages. The FDC is demoted and they should be gracious to be considered this big.

Even, if some of the big-men and the long-term MPs wasn’t appointed here or in May to the Committee’s. Still, they should just be happy and accept this. Just like the other opposition parties took their part. When they were at the helm and appointed the Shadow Cabinet. That is what the FDC should do now.

Well, maturity is clearly not this party thing. They are not able to show it. Neither, to take things to heart. Everyone is supposed to play after their tune and dance. However, no one else is supposed to counter or try on their own. That’s how this looks. This coming from one of the persons who has attacked the NUP after the elections.

That’s why this is tiring. This part seemed like someone you could look up to and get engaged in. That was just a lie. As they are only in it for their own and play by own rules. Never, accepting what other people does. Especially, the NUP should just follow and do the two-step. Never ever act on its own.

That’s why the FDC cry foul now and even wants to dismiss it’s own. They are so broken and lack moral courage. To even be gracious and move-on. They are not the big-dog anymore. Be leaders, act mature and take it on the chin. Show your character over this term and try again.

The FDC seems to lost their vibe and their Mojo. Like they have lost some vital parts and cannot operate in good faith. These folks who talks big. Should also act big. However, that’s to much to ask.

They are all for Democratic Change, but cannot the democratic change that has happened in the Parliament. Which they are smaller and the NUP is bigger. It is time for them to accept and eventually move-on. In 2016 they could act like big-shots in the opposition and in 2011 as well.

Now, the tide is turning and they just don’t seem ready for it. Time for Najjakumbi to visit Kamwokya and speak to the leaders there. I don’t think it would hurt. It would be a lesson of humility and maybe of finalization of maturity. Especially, if the FDC would ever continue to lecture the newcomer and their rise to power. It seems to be the only reasonable thing to do.

Unless, their only game-plan is to attack the NUP and Bobi Wine. Just like the NRM. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni needs to learn from Cuba

I like the unfortunate phenomenon of western countries halting exportation of the COVID19 vaccine until all their citizens are fully vaccinated. This will enable Africans to wake up and manufacture their own medicines. I like the bad things because Africans sleep too much, I have never believed in dependency. This selfishness in the world is bad but it’s a shame that the whole of the African continent is asleep waiting to be saved by others… In the short run, we shall see who can sell COVID19 vaccines to us. As far as Uganda is concerned, I assure you, we will never again be in such a situation, we are making our own vaccine” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (27.06.2021).

If the President believes in this… he should look to the Caribbean island of Cuba. The socialist government have built a health care system they can be proud of. President Museveni should call Havana and get some ideas. Especially, if any of his beliefs from his student days would still be hidden somewhere in his skull. Then it should be one-call away and get the knowledge to implement it.

As Cuba been reported like this by CGTN in 2020:

But for many, Cuba’s free universal healthcare system also deserves much of the credit. A WHO publication previously described it as “one of the world’s most effective and unique” systems. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called it “a model” for other countries around the world. Despite its poor infrastructure, lack of funds and a decades-long U.S. embargo, Cuba has the highest percentage of physicians in the world, with 8.4 per 1,000 people, according to the World Bank. People on the island have a life expectancy of 79 years – above the world average of 73 and just a few years less than wealthy nations like Japan, Switzerland or Singapore – and its child mortality rate is among the lowest in the world” (Sim Sim Wissgott – ‘Cuba’s doctors, healthcare system in the spotlight after COVID-19’ 10.06.2020, CTGN).

Now this weeks news about Cuba’s Vaccine Abdala:

Cuba has claimed to have developed its own vaccine against Covid-19. Named Abdala, the vaccine has shown tremendous efficacy in combating coronavirus. Considering the clinical data disclosed on Monday, the vaccine is 92% effective against the virus. The efficacy rate places Abdala among the most effective Covid vaccines, including Pfizer’s, Moderna’s and Russia’s Sputnik V” (Narayan Ammachchi – ‘Cuba Launches its Own Vaccine Called Abdala’ 26.06.2021, Nearshore Americas).

Arrived in Venezuela:

CARACAS, Venezuela, (teleSUR) — As part of an agreement between the governments of Cuba and Venezuela, the first batch of Abdala vaccines arrived Thursday to the South American nation, of the total of 12 million agreed, to contribute to Venezuela’s immunization campaign, informed the executive vice president, Delcy Rodríguez. “This extraordinary vaccine, which enjoys one of the best efficacies in the world, will be incorporated into Venezuela’s immunization process and it will be the people who will enjoy it. We are grateful,” said Rodríguez, accompanied by the minister of people’s power for health, Carlos Alvarado, and the minister of science and technology, Gabriela Jiménez” (TeleSur – ‘First batch of Cuba’s COVID vaccine Abdala arrives in Venezuela’ 27.06.2021, Caribbean News Global).

Why do I show these things from Cuba? Well, if Museveni is a man of his words, which the world knows his not. He is big boosting and promising big pledges. However, never putting any coins or investments behind it.

If he would make a vaccine or medicines. The President needs to invest in it. Not only in the confidential parts of the budget. Neither use such vast amount of the state budget on the State House, Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). If these are getting less funds… these shillings can be used on research and development at medical studies and also invest more in the health care system, which is lacking these day.

Nevertheless, this President rather live on handouts and spend loans on vanity projects. He rather spend money on a giant entourage and cronyism. Instead of building a well run state and have a working health care system. The COVID-19 Pandemic is only exposing this and shows his years of neglect. Not only the rest of the world using its resources to save its own first, before giving away surplus to others.

The vaccines should be shared equally. However, the Pharma-Industry is a for profit business and they are letting the rich nations by loads of vaccines. Nevertheless, the nations like Uganda haven’t used their funds or borrowed money from IMF/WB to buy vaccines either. They are just awaiting the free donated ones from WHO or GAVI. That’s just tragic and Museveni’s people is doing this.

Museveni needs to call Havana and get some advice. He also needs to see how they have prioritized the Health Care system over the years. This sort of advance and abilities to make a vaccine doesn’t come over night. The government has chosen this and therefore, they have results. They did this to not be dependent.

So, has Museveni been sleeping for over 35 years? I would say… he has been sleeping and awaited Presidential Handshakes from foreign investors to plant sugar and grow mangoes. Peace.

Opinion: Prayers alone will not save the Republic from COVID-19

Today, the President hold the 4th National Prayer Session since the start of the Global Pandemic in concern with the Coronavirus or COVID-19. This isn’t the first, but the fourth and a proclaimed holiday as well. The prayer is done during the recently announced lockdown, which is in full effect at the moment.

President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni and his ruling regime isn’t winning the battle. The hospitals isn’t working, the health care system wasn’t prepared and neither was his state apparatus. That is all to blame on himself and his close associates. They had all the time in the world to invest, prepare and ensure the Ministry of Health was up to scratch. The whole government have had agencies, multi-national organizations and others supporting the health care industry over the years.

The President and his party have really very few excuses here. They have been in-charge since 1986. If someone had the time or the ability to invest, develop or create a working system. The bureaucrats in combination of thrifty politicians should have made that possible. As well, as a former donor friendly government and new breed leadership should have secured the footing of the expensive expansion. However, that was never the priority.

That is why the hospitals and health care centres aren’t up to par. They are never prepared and there was never an intention for it. The government supported system is failing and that was even before the pandemic hit it. There been so many stories of lacking equipment, dilapidated units and no concern of the lack of educated staff. This is why the COVID-19 is showing the distress and the disturbing fact of how the state has run this over the years.

The state could in ordinary times run away from it. They could misuse funds, spend on confidential expenditure, vast military budget and other various of post. While neglect the Ministry of Health. Forget the hospitals and their needs. Just like it never invested in machinery or procured the cancer machine for Mulago Hospital. That is just a proof of how dire and how problematic this field was.

The virus just reveal this at a large scale. It isn’t just one field of the medicine that’s hit. No, the whole system gets a pinch. The lack of ventilators, oxygen and PPE equipment. The lack of procurement of vaccines and in general negligence is a proven now.

What is tragic is that the citizens are paying the price for the lack of ICU beds. The citizens are paying a huge price for the treatments, the beds and the possible second grade treatment in the hospitals. As they are running out of needed healing remedies. The people on the streets are hawking unlicensed treatments in COVIDEX and cannot find shelter or hope. They are seeing loved ones are dying and suffering, because the state never even tried to prepare.

The state was busy buying suits, SUVs and other luxurious perks for the elites. Paying no mind on the lost ones today. They were living large on the misfortunate. That is the tragic reality here. The elite and the President lived a life of grandeur and still does. They can still flee as medical tourists elsewhere. However, the average citizens is footing a bill they cannot commit too and possible for a tale of more pain before things better.

That’s why a fourth day of prayers is really insulting. The President praying is a fine symbol. It is a tribute and a way of showing care. However, it is really shallow, when you know he has had over three decades and COVID-19 isn’t the first pandemic and neither last to hit on a global scale. The President could have together will all stakeholders prepared the hospitals and everything in connection a lot better.

The President could have road-maps and possible plans in case of a pandemic. The state could have mechanisms and funds for procurement of vaccines in emergency. However, that seems like a far-fetched idea. As the state only has rich wealth for tear-gas and paying security of the VIPs. That is how things seems …

That his praying now is a bit hopeless. Instead of using all these COVID-19 loans from IMF and World Bank to any good. Nevertheless, it seems like he has sullied the Republic and hoping nobody mind. Peace.

A look into the Shadow Cabinet of the 11th Parliament

Today, Leader of Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) MP Mathias Mpuuga unveiled the appointments of his shadow cabinet. Now the opposition is taking form and the NUP shows maturity in their choices. However, there are some interesting choices.

We anticipated that the NUP would have an majority and it does. What is striking, after all the dust is settled… the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) get several of positions and other parties get it too. This is not a sole NUP operation. No, there are MPs from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Democratic Party and Independents as well. Therefore, things has changed.

On the 28th May 2021 the first list was out and the ones picked for the Committees was mostly NUP and one JEEMA MP. That was a choice made by the NUP and the other parties felt left behind. Now, the LoP have taken them in, but don’t expect that to accept it or be gracious. Because, for instance the LoP have left behind the likes of Nathan Nandala-Mafabi and Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda. These will be foul and cry out loud. We just know this and be aware.

So, now on the 25th June 2021 the LoP have made this list and it’s a total of 30 members. There are 30 people in the shadow cabinet. While the original cabinet is at 81. So, they have slimmed it a little bit, but still giving roles to plenty.

It is a friendly reminder of a rising star in the opposition is to see Kampala Woman MP Shamim Malende, the lawyer and MP on the Justice and Constitutional Affairs. She’s one of out of plenty who has been called an “iron lady”. So, it will be interesting to see how she plays this out. As this is her first term as MP and being in Parliament. Been vocal as a People Power Movement lawyer and a critic fo government. Now, she has the moment to prove her skill and use this office for some good.

A person who didn’t need a party primary, but became the party flag-bearer nevertheless was Fortunate Rose Nantongo. Who replaced her deceased mother as the MP. She became the Democratic Party (DP) nominee after a handwritten application to the party. The rest is history and now she’s appointed to the Shadow Cabinet to the Gender, Labour and Social Development.

The Former Presidential Candidate Abed Bwanika is appointed to the shadow cabinet. He has turned into a NUP MP as well. It will be interesting to see a man like this who has been fishing fr relevancy and found his way to get into office. Now, will be in the shadow cabinet for agriculture. The former People’s Development Party (PDP) and who was so close to be part of the DP Block as well. This is why, I will find it interesting, if he will seek for McDonalds to trade in Uganda.

Then you Karim Masaba, the Independent MP for Mbale. Who is NUP Leaning. He is a childhood friend of Mityana MP Francis Zaake. Bobi Wine supported his candidacy directly and he was part of the NUP convoy, which routed across Mbale in 2020. Now his appointed to the Shadow Cabinet for the Tourism and Wildlife.

Surprise appointment at this point was Francis Mwijuke MP of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). We know he has a long history with Mpuuga. They have been together in the struggle since the Action 4 Change in 2011. Mwijuke is on his second term in office and been a vocal critic of the state. Still, he seemed very in favour of Kadaga as a speaker and not just doing it as a strategy. That’s why it’s interesting to see him in the Shadow Cabinet in the Trade & Industry.

Another interesting choice from Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) was Anna Ebaju Adeke. She is the former Makerere Guild President and has a Bachelor of Law. Other than the public known things, she has incorporated an foundation in 2020. This was the Anna Adeke Foundation Limited on 25th February 2020. In 2018, she was part of the deflecting MPs to the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). However, that had to be short tint and only seeing if the ticket was viable. Since, by the times of elections she has gone to the FDC.

The one and only People’s Progressive Party MP Santa Okut have been appointed as well. She has represented the PPP before in the Parliament that was in the term of 2001 to 2006. The return is after a third try and never losing hope of returning back to Parliament. So, it will be interesting to see what she does and what ever she will do. As she’s alone in Parliament for a party founded in the early 2000s. Time will tell and she is appointed in the Shadow Cabinet for the Special Regions.

My last appointed that I find interesting… was Forum for Democratic Change Gilbert Olanya MP. He has been an Independent MP, but he become a FDC MP over time. He was another FDC MP who vied for Kadaga as speaker. Still, he been a resilient opposition MP. Who has been arrested for demonstrations in his district. This man hasn’t had it easy and put his work in. Still, it was interesting to see Mpuuga choosing him. In the Shadow Cabinet he will be working on the East African Community (EAC).

Just as we comments and look through the vast lists of Cabinet Members. The Shadow Government needs to be addressed as well. Not just praised, but wonder of their credentials too. This is why I do this. This is the first cabinet of Mpuuga. He has shown great heart, but let see how this plays out. Peace.