As Liberation Day looms: It appears that Gen. Museveni never listened to the Report “Pearl of Blood”

No person should be held or detained in secret, unacknowledged or incommunicado” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

As tomorrow is the “Liberation Day” or the “NRM Day” in the Republic of Uganda. As the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his National Resistance Movement (NRM) celebrates their takeover of Kampala on the 26th January 1986. Tomorrow will be 35 years since that happened.

Still, there is a lot of misgivings in the years of reign during the NRA/M era. The NRM have left a lot of thing to aspire too. For instance the Uganda Commission of Inquiry into the Violation of Human Rights dropped a Summary of the Report – “Pearl of Blood” in October 1994. This report have maybe been left in drawer and forgotten. However, I will indulge you in some vital parts of this. Which the current day regime have totally forgotten.

The report in question is looking into the mischief and violence by the previous regimes. That in itself is a good thing and was helpful to give insights into what the predecessors did. Nevertheless, I am looking into the things the NRA/M have forgotten. I am looking into specific forgotten passages of Chapter 13. Which states significant recommendations… that the NRM never adhered too or haven’t really implemented.

First advice: “Any person who is proved to have violated human rights in the past or will have been convicted of human rights offences should be barred from holding any political, public or civic office” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This here should be a given, but we know that Police Officers, Law Enforcement, Soldiers, Generals, High Ranking Officials have been associated or acted with indifference when they have violated human rights in the Republic. The NRA/M have deliberately even promoted officials and secured their passage, if they are doing it on command. Therefore, this recommendation is a stark warning. That the current regime doesn’t care about.

Second advice: “Massive violations of human rights in Uganda have occurred partly because of personalization of powers of the state by Presidents and other leaders. Personal interest became identical with public interest. Consequently, it was difficult to differentiate the state from the individual who was the President” (…) “The Commission therefore recommended for:

(a) separation of powers with checks and balances between the executive, legislative, and judicial aim s of government.

(b) impeachment of Presidents for constitutional and other offences while in office.

(c) a system of peaceful change of Presidents and governments through regular and fair elections.

(d) prohibition of over-staying by Presidents in office after their terms have expired.” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This here advice is directed at the President of current day. Who is in-charge and doing just that. It is all the personal interests of the President and his cronies. All parts of government awaits his orders and his words. That is why Gen. Museveni is repeating the human rights violations of the past. As he has become the personalization of the state.

What is also striking isn’t the balance of powers. That should be true, but these are all appointees of the President and loyal to him. The arms of government is working in-coordination with the President on his behest. The President will never be impeached as it would be a death-sentence and “treason” to even consider that.

The (c) and (d) is epic these days. As we know there is no “free and fair” elections in the Republic. The current President has also revised any law to ensure that he can overstay. Ensuring that his “terms” never expires and securing that he is overstaying in office. These two recommendations have been trashed in favour of one man.

Third advice: “One of the major factors which contributed to violation of human rights in Uganda is intolerance” (…) “constitutional and legal prohibition of any person or authority from restricting the exercise of the peoples rights and freedom of assembly in meetings, rallies or other gatherings and of expression and protest, and such prohibition or interference should be made a criminal offence” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This here has been an issue that has persisted in the reign of Museveni. The violation of human rights to assemble and gather has been a consistent issue. The state have practically made it impossible or illegal for opposition to gather outside their headquarters. The state have banned protests, demonstrations, rallies and concerts, all in favour of “law and public order”. Which is striking, as the advice here was adhere to other principals and also show tolerance to others. That is something the NRA/M haven’t coped with or had the capacity to do. That is why they have interfered, blocked and haunted the opposition with all sorts of laws, regulations and justifications to stop them from assembling. The NRM have even blocked prayers from happening. So, they have never intended to listen to this particular advice either.

Fourth advice: “it is imperative that in order to encourage tolerance and unity, the system of elections and government in which the winner takes all should be legally discouraged” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This here has been commented on before. As the state is personification of Museveni now. He has the whole state and they are all listening to his whims. The system is built in his favour. So as “victor” in any elections. The old man does get it all and there is no separation of powers either. This advice has been discarded too.

Fifth advice: “intelligence organizations should never be personalised, set and/or tolerated for the purpose of maintaining particular regimes or Leaders in power. They should not be partisan in politics of Uganda. Intelligence organizations should never be used for witch hunting or for political, ethnic, religious, gender, social or economic persecution or harassment” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

Another one where the state have made plenty of entities all run by the men of the President. All in favour of his causes and work. Not looking for criminals, but monitoring and surveillance of opposition members, activists and human rights activists too. Therefore, this one has been overlooked as well. That is why ISO, CMI; ESO and other entities are working without concern of violating human rights.

Sixth advice: “No person should be detained or imprisoned without trial by and before independent and impartial courts of law whether there is a state of emergency or not. No person should be arrested detained or imprisoned except in respect of criminal offences known to the law” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This sort of idea and legal remedy is used so much these days. That the ideal of it seems to be forgotten. If you are associated with the opposition. It is justified to abduct, arrest and torture them without court orders or criminal charges. Not even thinking of taking the “culprit” or “criminal” to court, but without justice served take it all into the hands of the Law Enforcement and silence the opposition on the spot.

Seventh advice: “Murder of individuals, mass murders, arbitrary deprivation of life or extra judicial executions is a violation of the right to life. The Commission has found that such atrocities were committed by members of the military, intelligence organisations, certain Police Units, party activists, etc.” (….) “Obedience to superior orders should never be a defence to charges of crimes of murder, torture and others that violate human rights. Detention of civilians in military barracks, or establishments should be prohibited by law and offenders thereof severely punished” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

Here is a sad part. That this regime doesn’t value life or the lives of anyone. They can easily stop doing these things, but they are continuing to do so. These sort of activity should have ceased, but we do know they continue to do so. The regime doesn’t value life… and that is evident with concern of opposition activists, members and the ones who is close to demonstrations or convoys of the opposition. This is proven and sadly activity the state continues with.

Eight advice: “Mechanisms for making public leaders and officials transparent in and accountable for their conduct performance or work will keep in check the temptation to act in breach of the law or in abuse of their powers or offices” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This here hasn’t been listened too. The Cabinet Members, the ones appointed and the ones n close association of the President can get away with anything. There will be some headlines, but the ones looting, stealing and breaching laws can a get away with it. That is why there is no law for the ones in close associate of the President. They are above the law, because the “high above” is shielding them.

I think this is enough and proves how little the NRM have cared. They have had time to fix these things. However, the state and General Museveni haven’t cared. He has had the sole power and enjoyed all the perks. That is why there is no sanctions or punishment for him. He can get away with all these violations of human rights. This should worry, but it shows what sort of authority and power he does have. As this report is old and from 1994, but it’s viable today. Peace.

General Museveni will deal with the Opposition the NRA Way

““If you compete and lose and then you say you will take power through other means other than the election, that won’t happen here in Uganda and it will not take long to sort out. We sort out such rubbish the NRA way,” Yoweri Museveni barked while commenting on the deployment at Kyagulanyi’s residence in Magere, Wakiso district. “We will bring down whoever wants to destabilise our peace. We have enough space to accomodate for millions of prisoners,” he warned” (Emmanuel Busingye – ‘Museveni: We will sort Bobi Wine the NRA way’ 25.01.2021, Ekyooto.co.uk).

The General, Head of State and Commander in Chief is really ready to retaliate against the opposition. Nevertheless, Museveni never let them go and off the hook. The President have already ordered his troops, law enforcement and various of agencies to go after the National Unity Platform (NUP) activists, mobilizers, polling agents and candidates. The state has gone after so many and they are beyond reach behind bars. The general public and international community can have no idea of how systemic the abductions, arrests and taking people away.

So, Museveni is just showing his fierce force. The President is showing no remorse and his doing the ills of the ones he overthrow. He is using the same means to stay in power. That is the sick thing here. Tomorrow is supposed to be “Liberation Day”, but who is really liberated? When some of the other citizens are detained for their association with opposition candidates or parties.

When the President says the NRA Way?

Will the 35th Brigade be used towards the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform (NUP)?

Also, will the President send everyone through the Court Martial and treat Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine like Gen. David Sejusa? Will the state charge him and never retire him from military service?

Will the President send the “Panda Gari” and drop him in Nalufenya or a “Safe House” to be tortured? What is the NRA Way?

The NRA took away all opposition and breached the Nairobi Peace Agreement of 1985. It is not like Bobi Wine have made an agreement with Museveni. No, Museveni is in his own regard. The President is using military language and wanting to use guerrilla tactics against a civilian. Who does that?

General Museveni lives in the bush state of mind. That is his glory days and he wants to live like that again. Instead of bashing in glory. If you are such a victor, why are you threatening your opponent?

Someone needs to reign in this old man. He needs some re-education or be re-instated to society. This old man needs some sensitization and maybe even entertain one of them patriotic programs at Kyankwanzi. Since, he clearly jaded and wants to use guerrilla tactics against civilians. Clear people out the bush-war way in peace-time.

Last, does the NRA way mean the method of assassinations? Since, the NRA did assassinate and kill the ones who was in their way. It also got rid of people in talks and negotiating with the NRA/M in the early stages of power. This was done to consolidate power. Is that another angle or plan of the President?

The NRA Way could mean a lot and the President wants clearly to go to war. Surely, the old man wouldn’t survive in the bush now. The old man wouldn’t get the locals support or help like he did in the 1980s. Since, they are tired of him and knows he doesn’t serve them anyway. That is why it has nearly taken 40 years of power and very little have been given to the people of the Luweero Triangle. Peace.

Day 11: Bobi Wine is “freed” but is he really free though?

High court in Kampala has ordered police and UPDF to vacate Bobi Wine’s home in Magere Wakiso. Police spokesperson Fred Enanga says they are waiting for copy of this court order” (91.2 Crooze FM, 25.01.2021).

Since the 14th January 2021 the presence of Police Force and soldiers been stationed at and around the home of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Some reporters did state that the military presence of Magere in Wakiso district dated back three weeks of the polls. So, the state had planned and did issue more security details in the area. All in order to surveillance and monitor the National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential Candidate.

Just read here:

We shall withdraw the deployment from Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi’s home as per the High Court ruling issued this morning. However, we shall maintain surveillance on his movements – Fred Enanga (Police Spokesperson)” (91.8 Boona FM, 25.01.2021).

This here proves that Bobi Wine isn’t free yet. They might take away the soldiers on the compound and around his gate. However, the checkpoints from Kampala to Magere in Wakiso district. There has been put up several of checkpoints on the way to his home. These will be there. It will also be several of areas in the nearby his home.

Bobi Wine isn’t yet totally free. Not until the Police Force is stopping the surveillance and monitoring his movements. Because that is done without court orders and charges. They are still treating him as a “enemy of the state”.

The “No. 1 Terrorist” and danger to society is Bobi Wine at this given moment. Especially, when the citizen is followed and usage of surveillance to know everything he does. That is only done to a person like that. If he wasn’t a big-man and someone in the spotlight. Bobi Wine would already dwell in a safe-house somewhere. That is what the state does to minor candidates, activists and civilians in military confinement.

This is why today isn’t the end. The “house-arrest” and illegal arrest of Bobi Wine will continue in one way or another. The state will not stop this. The same state held Besigye under House Arrest for over 40 days. This is Day 11 … so expect more. There is more to come. Peace.

Opinion: Electoral Commission is in a pickle [since it still hasn’t released the “declared results”]

The Electoral Commission in 2021 is doing itself a disservice, as it is has no released or made the declared Presidential and Parliamentary Results public on its page. Just as the polls of 14th January 2021 is “contested” but more “rigged” than truthful. It is not like the public can trust these results, when the main contender is house-arrested and his allies is rounded up and detained indefinitely. It is not like the state or the ruling regime wants it to be legitimately at all. Their actions speaks of rigging, injustice and impunity.

The EC could have been transparent and the authorities could have acted like that. They National Talley Centre could have been sincere and open, but it wasn’t. It doesn’t help that law enforcement and soldiers are doing what they can to get their hands of Declarations Forms from the opposition. Just so the opposition doesn’t have the first declared results from their polling agents. While the state also arrested so many polling agents from the opposition the day before the polls itself. Therefore, the state does what it can and deliberately make it all go into the dark.

Now that we are on the 24th January 2021 and the announced results was on the 16th January 2021. The amount of days makes people question it even more. The secretive measures, keeping the declared results under wraps. Uploading and later deleting it too. Doesn’t make someone trust the EC more. It makes you wonder, if they found issues in the algorithms that made the “results” possible.

The EC is showing its a heist. Because, if the numbers and percentages of a victory was real. They would have released the results as soon as possible. The EC is quickly releasing By-Election results when its in favour of the state. The same should be possible here. However, the DR Forms uploaded to the UVote App and that will distort the possible breaches. Just like the results first dropped proved some polling stations had more voters, than registered voters there.

This is why the EC is still keeping it under wraps, even when the President has “won” and its over with. If it was already fixed and done. It should be in the public domain. As the NBS Television and NTV Uganda proclaimed it. The EC had their presser and announced it. Still, the lack of transparency and accountability proves they are neglecting their mission. They are not counting the initial votes, but is fixing the results in favour of man. That is why its hard to jumble the results and get it correctly to what they said.

When you do fraud at least try to make it seem legit. However, the EC cannot even do that. They have stolen the money from the bank, but they are not even willing to spend the money. They are not buying flashing cars and expensive meals. No, they are keeping it in another vault and hidden. These folks did the robbery, but will not prove their heist. Because, if they did. The ones looking through UVote results versus EC announced results would get two different outcomes. Which we know will happen, but they are just postponing the inevitable. Peace.

ACT-Wazalendo: The 2021 Election in Uganda was another joke to Democracy in Africa (23.01.2021)

A look into Bobi Wine’s Post Election Address (22.01.2021)

This speech comes from his home in Magere, Wakiso district. Where his unfortunately pre-emptive house-arrested, which he has been since 14th January 2021 on the day of the polls for Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. He is now on his 9th Day as a prisoner in his own home and only allowed one visit with his team of lawyers. Who also brought some food and other basic necessities. Because, the captors and the ones keeping him captive in his home isn’t giving him anything.

However, still with all the hurdles, the hardships and the hostile attack on his party. The Presidential Candidate and Party President of National Unity Platform (NUP) Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine came out with a online address, which is worth looking into. As it sets a stage of his plans ahead. Let’s be frank, the 14th January 2021 elections wasn’t “contested” but rigged beyond belief in favour of the ruling regime. To think otherwise is naive and following all reports. It is definitely not a fair game.

He starts with: “I am under illegal house arrest and continue to live through this humiliation, but my spirit is strong. I am strong because am aware of the trials and tribulations that those who came before us had to endure in their fight for freedom and democracy. I am even consoled by the constant reminder that what I am going through today is nothing compared to what many of our comrades and supporters have had to go through for the past three years since we started the People Power Movement!” (Bobi Wine, 22.01.2021).

He is making a compelling case and telling his story. A story that the NRM and President Museveni don’t want out. As this undermine his minions and the Police Force itself. Which is all working on overtime telling “his not house arrested” or that his “house arrested to shield him from himself”. Both arguments is bananas and hogwash. The reason why he is house-arrested is because he is the one the President fears and the only way he can contain his popularity is by keeping him lockdown. Not because, Bobi Wine has done anything wrong, other than challenging the President, which is “treason” in the Republic.

He continues: “I must state right from the beginning that we went into this election knowing the nature of the regime we are up against but trusting the people of Uganda to assert their voices. Like many other ruthless dictators, Museveni organizes elections in order to pay lip-service to democracy and to try to buy legitimacy from the world. He was therefore determined to take the nation through the same old ritual this year. Unfortunately for him, he miscalculated this time round” (Bobi Wine, 22.01.2021).

Bobi Wine is not wrong here. Museveni has both lobbyist on his payroll and other agencies working non-stop to do his bidding. Museveni has multi-national and regional entities like IGAD and EAC doing the work for him. These are undermining the principals of the polls, free and fair election, and so fourth. That is a genuine insight and true. The plan is the same and the rigged game to favour Museveni, which many of us expected to happened and it did.

He says it straight: “Therefore fellow citizens, as I speak to you today, my heart is full of gratitude and confidence because eight days ago you went to the polls and overwhelmingly chose the National Unity Platform and myself to lead you in repairing our broken Nation, which has endured the pain of dictatorship under Gen. Yoweri Museveni for 35years. Unfortunately, Museveni yet again committed a coup against the Constitution and the people of Uganda” (Bobi Wine, 22.01.2021).

The last sentence is so striking. The whole sentiment of this paragraph shows the future of a statesmen really. Someone who dares to see the mischief and the faults of a system. Wanting to address it. While also crediting anyone who support his cause doing it. It is so poignant the “coup” wording, as a stolen election is practically doing that. Maybe not with a violent takeover, but by cooking the books, which is what Museveni was doing.

His continued assault on Museveni: “ Unfortunately, Museveni is such a poor student of history; including his own history. In a book titled Mission to Freedom written by himself, he justified his decision to go to the bush and start after a rigged election as follows: He said, and I quote; “In December 1980, Ugandans went to the polls. By late afternoon on December 11th, it was clear that UPC and Obote were headed for a resounding defeat inspite of all the rigging they had done at the earlier stages of registration of voters, nomination of candidates, and demarcation of electoral boundaries. The UPC was seized with Panic. Paul Muwanga…..took over the powers of the Electoral Commission. ….. The following day 12th December 1980, using their control of the national radio, the army, the police and other state machinery and backed by the Tanzanian government, Obote and Muwanga announced their coup. ….Once again, a minority, unpopular clique was imposed on the people of Uganda, leaving them with no option but to take up arms in defence of their democratic rights.”” (Bobi Wine, 22.01.2021).

Here Bobi Wine cleverly undress Museveni… and shows how he deliberately Museveni has copied the 1980 election. It is all done in favour of him now. Where he repeated the sins of the ones he overthrow. Which is just a tragic enterprise, but what Museveni does. Because, only power and staying power matters to him. That is why Museveni is willing to repeat the same ills of the past.

He continues: “We call upon the People of Uganda to reject this mockery and refuse to acknowledge Museveni as the winner of the January 14th polls because we defeated him. Ugandans must resist his treasonous attempt to forcefully impose himself on us as president. Resisting tyranny is not only a right- it is a DUTY for oppressed people to carry out. We encourage all of you to use all non violent and legal means and ides at your disposal to engage in this fight for complete freedom. We have always said that People Power is Our power. The stolen votes belong to the People of Uganda. The people of Uganda must rise to the occasion and free themselves and their country from that small group of gunmen who do not care about our future and that of our country Uganda” (Bobi Wine, 22.01.2021).

Here is stating defiance and resistance against the Resistance Movement, which is ironic. However, I approve the message and that is the only way they can move forward. The President and NRM needs to know and feel a boycott. The state needs to be touched and feel the public rebuke of its tactics. That they are not accepting the betrayal of their trust. That means a continued cause for a peaceful transition.

Where he continues: “Unlike Museveni who unleashed untold violence and suffering on our people in the 1980s, we choose non-violent strategies in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. We are committed to non-violence because we despise violence. That is why we are fighting against a violent tyrant. Studies have shown that non-violence is even much more effective in breaking violent dictatorships. I therefore encourage all of you citizens to take a firm stand against the Museveni regime” (Bobi Wine, 22.01.2021).

Here he shows the significant difference between him and Museveni. Something that is a nice touch, but also a brutal honesty. As he shows to be the better man and doesn’t need to grab a gun, but trust the public to be by his side. That is a thing President Museveni cannot state, as he has always turned to the guns when he needs too.

He ends with: “I must add that the regime has been actively trying to frustrate any attempt to go to court. They have intimidated our polling agents, but most crudely confiscated more than 4000 of our Declaration of Results forms, which are of crucial importance in an election petition. We have tasked the authorities to return these forms, but they are yet to respond. The leadership of the National Unity Platform is in the process of consulting stakeholders but most importantly the common people and in a few days, we shall communicate our decision to the nation. As regards my illegal house arrest, the police and military have still failed to explain their presence in my home” (Bobi Wine, 22.01.2021).

The NUP and Bobi Wine is getting into the same quarrel that previous opposition leaders and parties been in. However, the authorities and law enforcement have been much more vicious this time around. They are not holding back and been really working with impunity this election. That is why such amounts of polling agents and other associates of the NUP.

The nation and the supporters are awaiting the communication to their decision. Whatever they do. They should ensure they have collected evidence and have truth. So, they can prove not only to every citizen, but can show the international community of the open rigging. Put it all into system and prove it. As we know it, but the way they drop the knowledge matters.

I hope Bobi Wine can get freed soon. Though the state prolongs it to at least Monday when the Court petition is in order. However, they are planning to dismiss it. So, expect the state to keep him house-arrested for long. Just like they did Besigye in 2011 and 2016.

Bobi Wine spoke the truth and that is what is needed. Peace.

Opinion: Ogwang, what behaviour do you mean?

The government is investigating Ugandans, whom it says have been misusing internet and social media platforms before reconnecting all of them back. Appearing before the Information and Technology Committee of Parliament chaired by Dokolo South Legislator Paul Amoru, the State Minister for ICT Peter Ogwang said the full reinstatement of the internet will be dependent on how Ugandans online behave” (NBS Television, 21.01.2021).

The Media Blackout and Social Media Blackout was direct orders from the state directed through government authorities to block all internet gateways. The state has also blocked all social media apps and sites online. The ones accessing these are using VPNs or Virtual Personal Networks to circumvent the blockade of state.

The Foreign Minister Kutesa said they had blocked Facebook and Twitter for “equalities” sake, as the foreign companies had blocked pages and persons affiliated with the government. Today, the Staet Minister for ICT Ogwang says its depends on “behaviour”. What sort behaviour do the honourable minister mean?

Hon. Ogwang by what law and what statutes are you basing this on?

That is something I wondering about. Since, you are not only indirectly blocking all voices on social media and on the internet. However, you are also putting in conditions, which cannot be verified. These conditions is based on certain parameters, which the public cannot get the gist off. Because, what does it mean?

The Minister should really come out with a proper statement and reasoning behind this. As this was a measure not based on actions made by the citizens, but by the powers of the state. Because, the state wanted to keep things in the black. They wanted the truth to be hidden and not expose the obvious election rigging this month. It wasn’t about language, posts or anything in particular.

I was expecting the state minister would say he was afraid of “tribalism” or “inciting violence”. However, he talked about behaviour like the citizens are kids. This is a paternalistic of the minister, but nothing new from this regime.

This is deliberate by the state to silence and ensure several of voices doesn’t come online. If they were sincere. They would have used other arguments and reasons to do so. However, this is just bonkers and ridiculous. The minister knows it and the citizens should know it too.

We know why they did it and this is just excuses to continue it, instead of reinstating it. Which they should have done yesterday or even the day before that. Peace.

Day 8: The State wants to dismiss the petition in concern to Bobi Wine’s House Arrest

The state has asked high court judge Michael Elubu to dismiss an application filed by NUP party president Robert Kyagulanyi and his wife Barbra Itungo Kyagulanyi against their continued illegal detention under house arrest since the 14th of this month” (Capitol FM Uganda, 21.01.2021).

It has been since the 14th January 2021, the National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have been house arrested since the polls. The state have kept him captive in his own home. The NUP Presidential Candidate is a prisoner in his own home without any warrants, charges or even a sentencing.

Bobi Wine is a felon even without any process or legal proceedings. The state is not even honouring that in his instance. His treated as a terrorist and a danger to society. They are not giving him food or drinks. They are not allowing him or his wife to collect food in the garden. The state has sealed the premises and made checkpoints blocking people from entering.

The state has shown the Presidential Candidate is treated badly. There is no dignity or fairness in this. Only injustice and impunity. The actions made towards him, only shows how much the President is fearing him and his ideals. If he didn’t fear him. He wouldn’t act like this and put him behind bars without any reasons. That is because the state got nothing to file or evidence of incriminating factors.

Again, with the lack of food and nutrition. The lack of freedom and justice. As a parent, Bobi Wine did the right thing sending his kids to the diaspora. So, they don’t have to live through this experience and the acts of injustice. They are third parties to this. The same is his wife as well. However, she’s an adult and knew this could be the price. Still, its unfair that she is living through this as well.

Bobi Wine shouldn’t be incarcerated in his own home. This is on the 8th Day without any judgement or charge. Still, the state will act and not address the petition to the courts. That shows the amount of impunity. There is no mercy in the state of Museveni. Only Museveni is lawful and his allies. The rest is fair-game and can get punished.

Proof? Ask Bobi Wine and his party… how they have treated during the campaign and post-elections. His rights are being violated and he deserves better. Bobi Wine is the target and person who personifies the injustice in the Republic right now. Just like Besigye was the same in 2011 and 2016. Peace.

Opinion: Kyambadde knows the truth [but claims the youth doesn’t understand]

Some would tell me that they like me, but they don’t understand the party I am attached to. People are blaming the party because of our over stay. Even with the services delivered, the youth think that they are not prioritised” Amelia Kyambadde (19.01.2021)

The now former Permanent Principal Secretary to President and Minister Amelia Kyambadde has spoken the truth. That is actually not new. Now and then she has blasted the truth in the media and gotten the real in interview. This time is now different.

Even though Kyambadde is part of the Museveni clan. She has all the connections and enjoys the perks of that. Some things we do know is that she will not suffer as long as Museveni is in power. Because, as long as he is in power. She will have access and ability to enjoy the spoils of the Presidency. 

This week again she has spoken the truth. Not that its shocking or anything. It isn’t even that radical or brutal. Just a mere reflection of what is happening and the consequences of their actions. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have been there and in-power too long. President Museveni have overstayed in office. That is just a mere fact and no reason to run away from it now.

The youth doesn’t feel the services is delivered. When they don’t have work, unemployed and living in a gig economy. In a Republic where one class eats all and the others cannot afford breadcrumbs. That is the sad reality of what the NRM has delivered. Not like Kyambadde was sincere about that part. There is to many lacking factors and options for the youth and citizens in general. Its a deprived state and depleted one. Which the next unlucky loser have to entangle and resolve.

Kyambadde is right the NRM isn’t a party to understand. Since it is a party who only revolves around one person and his whims. His micro-managing and erratic behaviour isn’t making it easier to understand either. However, the final end-game is in his hands and controlled by him. That is just the NRM way at this point of time.

The NRM haven’t cared or invested in the ones she points at. The only interest is in overstaying and securing power. Not to serve or deliver anything anymore. That is why the President could just re-hash old ideas and pledges, as he knows very well … that he didn’t deliver or have the ability to make it happen in the previous term or in the last decade. That is just who he is and the likes of Kyambadde have to act oblivious to the fact.

That is why I will not blindly say she “right” and saying the “right” thing. No, she knows perfectly well the game and how its rigged. Amelia knows how things are working and been in the chambers for so long. That she knows how things get corrupted, stolen and stopped. Kyambadde called out the GAVI funds back-in-the-day and surely seen other things happening too.

Still, she has been part of it and earned her coins. A loyal cadre and a yellow compatriot. That is why I cannot praise her insight. Unless, she wanted to reveal some underlying issues and be a whistle-blower. Alas, she is just stating the obvious, but forging a narrative that the youth doesn’t understand.

However, they do understand and see the game of the NRM. That is why they are voting for the opposition and other parties. In hope that they actually do something. That they are doing the things the NRM isn’t doing. So, that they can have hope for a better tomorrow. Peace.

Opinion: Kutesa aims at Besigye for election violence

Today the Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa made a statement and this one is aiming directly at ‘Plan B’. In late August 2020 Dr. Kizza Besigye launched the ‘Plan B’ to counter a rigged election and galvanize the opposition.

It is very ironic that in a 14th January 2021 election statement. The Foreign Minister is addressing a non-candidate. Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine hada campaign: “We Are Removing a Dictator” and not ‘Plan B’. Neither did the villager, Patrick Oboi Amuriat who was the barefoot villager representing the public in general. So, the man has clearly been focused on Besigye, which haven’t directly campaigned or only been a supporting political operative in the opposition.

The Foreign Minister also missed the mark on what the ‘Plan B’ was about. Because, he associates it with violence and insurgency. ‘Plan B’ is a continuation of the liberation struggle, a non-violent measure for a peaceful transition of power. Maybe, the NRM feels that is violent. Since, this means the likes of Kutesa have to be removed. However, that is natural in every transition of power from to the next.

So, the man is clearly jaded and adding values, which isn’t represented in the ‘Plan B’. Maybe like Defiance campaign it hits the heart of lack of democratic values within the NRM. If they had a understanding of boycott and demonstrations against it. Because, everyone is supposed to automatically supporting the NRM.

What is very ironic too. Is that the NRM and the Government is really into democracy, but demonstrations or riots is disturbing the peace. If it is a democratic nation and has value of free speech. Then the public should be allowed to demonstrate and riot.

It is not really a unique take and understanding of democracy. When you don’t dare people to speak up against the oppression and regime itself. That is apparently the proud democratic values of the NRM. We shouldn’t be shocked, but it shows their true sentiment at this point.

This only proves what extent the government does to defend its actions. They are willing to defend the killing of civilians and blaming it on them. That is what the Minister indirectly did. As the people didn’t listen to the warning and therefore, their fatal acts was justified. The public should have known better and not gone out on those streets. So, if they does it again. Expect it to happen again, as long as they are in power. They don’t care or value the life of the citizens. If they did, they wouldn’t take their lives for demonstrating. That is the bleak reality here.

Still, its amazing that ‘Plan B’ was such a big issue. When Besigye wasn’t even running. That shows how powerful and dangerous Besigye is in 2021. The NRM and Kutesa is still worried about his moves and ideas. They know he can spread a powerful message and give people hope. That says a lot. Peace.