Our beloved UNAA
may be doomed, the single most discussed topic among UNAA regular
convention attendees is whether UNAA is really free from partisan
politics as the organization's bylaws prescribe. Many
Ugandans respected and admired UNAA in its early years because effort was
made by the pioneers to keep the organization non-partisan.
During the last couple of years, the
political leadership in Uganda made concerted effort to infiltrate the
organisation. I am sad to say that the NRM organization has finally
succeeded in taking over UNAA. The Ugandan Dictator
and President-for-life, Mu7 has of recent taken a front sit when it comes
to UNAA affairs and activities. Perhaps inviting Ugandan government officials
to participate in UNAA annual conventions was initially done in good
faith, but as you might have noticed especially during the
Seattle convention; M7's machinations through his NRM stooges in North
America effectively took control of UNAA.
Taking control of
UNAA was no accident on the NRM's part, it was one of the key objective of
Ambassador Sempala in Washington. The Ugandan dictator feels threatened
by the economic muscle of the Ugandan diaspora in North America. To
minimize this threat, the Ugandan dictator wanted to infiltrate the
diaspora community - he thinks he has a better vision for UNAA, just as he
claims to be the only one to have the foresight as to what is best for Uganda.
It is disheartening to see an
international organization of repute like UNAA, aligning itself with a
dictator. It is a sad commentary as to how low UNAA has
sunk. You may have asked yourself, why UNAA past officials and individuals
campaigning for UNAA offices this year frequently go to the Presidents office
when they are in Uganda?
FACTS:
- Some UNAA past officials
who attended the convention which was held at Hotel Africana in
Uganda met with the President at his office. Two of these officials
have kept contact with the President office.
- The first
President of UNAA, Dr. Frank Matovu endorsed Margaret Musokes ticket
and even agreed to be her running mate. That is well and
good, but for his own reputation, it is highly recommendable that the
good Dr. checks out the extent of his running mate's affiliation
with the Presidents Office. MD Musoke was recently in Uganda and
was seen on more than one occasion with security intelligence
Officer, Kasirye- connected to the Presidents office and an official
of the President office, Byaruhanga. Margaret Musoke should be open and
frank with you about her activities and association with the Presidents
office.
- Preparations for
UNAA 2006 convention in New York will be led by Edward Wanda. Two
years ago, Edward Wanda and Mrs. Kazibwe currently residing in Boston
were appointed Commissar for NRM in North America by the NRM
Secretariat in Uganda. Edward Wanda happens to be the
current Chairman of an ineffective Uganda American Association of Greater
New York (UAAGNY). The Ugandan Community of New York elected him UAAGNY
chairman in good faith before the NRM secretariat appointed him an NRM
commissar. The New York community was livid that Wanda accepted the
NRM position, yet refusing to relinquish the chairmanship
of UAAGNY. Since then, Wanda has expanded his NRM patronage
network disguising it as UAAGNY work. He made sure that NRM
associates in the area, Allan Katatumba and Amooti Kazinduka were appointed
on the executive. The Uganda House Building Manager and ESO operative,
Abraham Muhozi is also heavily involved in ensuring
that Wanda accomplishes his mission for NRM in
North America. These are the key people on different committees that
will be organizing your UNAA 2006 convention. There
are other sincere members on the various committees who do not seem to be
aware of the NRM hidden agenda through its agents
like Wanda.
Wanda has been to Uganda twice so far this
year and each time he has spent numerous hours at the NRM
secretariat. He is expected to be going back again before the
end of the year.
- The dictator will be
staging sham elections next year, he is shopping for endorsement and
credibility at home and abroad. Will UNAA be endorsing a
national political party or presidential candidate for the first time next
year? Will UNAA officers start appearing at campaign rallies to show
how far and wide the support of a particular candidate or party? Keep
your eyes wide open, some UNAA officials may try to do just that.
What should be the conduct of UNAA officials, should UNAA leadership be
revisited each mid-term for a vote of confidence? These and other related
questions need to be honestly answered otherwise UNAA is
toast!
Wanda as an individual is
entitled to his own beliefs and opinions, but when you are a leader of a
non-partisan organization like UAAGNY, personal biases, beliefs and opinions
should not become the Organizations'. People appointed and
entrusted him to be UAAGNY Chairman, he then decided to take on a political
appointment, therefore, the Ugandan New York/New Jersey community requested
him to step down, but arrogantly like his mentor, the dictator, he refused to
step down.
Cry my beloved UNAA, cry, you may not be around
much longer.
