Mao's election and secession of the Nile State

I was watching a film titled 'Schindlers's List' with my wife last week and she ended up crying. The movie is about the horrors of living in a Nazi or Hitler dictatorship and the way the Jews were humiliated and killed. It portrays a kindness of the human condition that many people, today, are not happy with. After watching the film, my mind just switched straight to the president of one of the DP factions, Norbert Mao, and what the people of northern Uganda have endured for the last 20 years since President Yoweri Museveni took power in 1986. Mao is quoted to have said in the Sunday Monitor of February 21: 'We are either full citizens, equal to all others, or non-citizens. The idea of the Nile State is actually a challenge to the Uganda government that we did not choose to be Ugandans'¦.' This was in response to a question he was asked about his call for secession of northern Uganda.

The people of northern Uganda have gone through an ordeal and the rest of the country feels for them but at the same time, we want them to remain Ugandans. The Jews suffered under Hitler more than any race I have known in history after the abolition of slave trade. Probably they had a reason to ask for a 'special home' of their own after the World War II, but the people in the north already have a home in Uganda.

If Mao's DP faction wins the 2011 election, the Uganda, which our forefathers fought to make one, could be in trouble. Mao too might favour his region against others as we have witnessed in President Museveni's reign.

It is equally wrong for some Ugandans to keep comparing Mao to President Obama since the latter has never been a secessionist. Probably, it would be fair if Mao is compared to the current Republican favourite, Sarah Palin. They are both young and supporters of secession projects. Sarah Palin used to be a member of the Alaskan Independence Party (AIP), a fringe political party that advocates the secession of Alaska from the USA. Just months before Palin was announced as McCain's vice-presidential nominee, she delivered a videotaped address to the AIP's annual convention. There was a national convention in 2007 of secessionist groups where Vice president of AIP said that his party would seek to 'infiltrate' the Democratic and Republican parties with candidates sympathetic to its secessionist agenda. Similarly, any Ugandan needs to examine Mao's motives in taking over DP in case he is a Palin.

I'm still surprised that leaders never learn anything from history. When Obote came back from exile in Tanzania in the 1980s, he asked the opposition where their army generals were. He also promised to apply the 'law of Moses' to the Baganda and Banyarwanda whom he detested. The northerners were dominant in Uganda's army in Obote I and Obote II regimes. Then Museveni persuaded the Baganda that Uganda needed to get rid of Obote to sort out what had gone wrong during his two reigns. However, I'm surprised today to see that the same mistakes Obote made are being made by Museveni. He has promoted antagonistic politics with Buganda kingdom. He has encouraged formation of various chiefdoms in a country that had not more than four recognised kingdoms at independence in 1962. Uganda is basically more divided today than before. We don't need another president who will make the bad situation worse.

I'm also surprised that Israel is subjecting almost the same 'slave' treatment to Palestinians, almost similar to what they went through under the Nazi dictatorship. Israel has been supporting secessionist movements in Sudan, Iraq, Egypt and Lebanon and any secessionist movements in any Arab country Israel considers an enemy.

I think the opposition in Uganda are more confused than I thought. Most people in rural areas don't know Mao. The opposition already have a brand in Dr Kiiza Besigye. Probably they are excited because they have seen a new kid on the block. But they might squander the opportunity for regime change if they elope with little known alternatives.

Because Mao has been elected DP president by one faction of the party, he might affect the fortunes of the inter party (IPC) joint candidate in the north since some people in the north believe in him. With this, Museveni does not need to win the north to remain the President come 2011. Mao has already done the job for him. If Mao's DP fields candidates in Buganda in 2011, the Buganda opposition vote will be divided between the opposition candidates. It will be the same everywhere if Mao goes ahead to think in terms of 'only DP' unless he joins the broader opposition alliance.

We should all strive to keep the 'one country, one people project' in Uganda despite the challenges in the country at the moment. Buganda and north have made it clear that they want federalism. I see no reason why some politicians should twist people's minds towards secession. It would serve Mao best if he comes out and denies secession claims before 2011 as Palin did when she shot to the global stage in 2008.

Abbey Semuwemba is a Ugandan living in the UK

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Abbey Semuwemba is a Ugandan living in the UK....
written by Twakoowa, March 09, 2010

....and a Northerner, always bringing forward nothing but things concerning the Northerners' interests. Okay your people suffered, but what about the Baganda they killed and tortured before they went throught what they went throught? If Semuwemba you want to be taken seriously, you have to acquaint yourself some with the truth, with what is fair and square. Otherwise all you say is for nothern consumption, to the rest of us it's just a heap of boy cow poo.

-4

Are you Rush Limbaugh's pupil?
written by Tobias, March 10, 2010

You've amateurishly twisted a lot of stuff you've referred to in this article. But anyway, let's examine your toxic political ideology. One: Mao won the DP election fairly and squarely. Two: good leadership is a function of personalities (Mao / Seya / even M7 but certainly not YOU) and/or social-movements (DP/ FDC / NRM etc). Voters decide! Your suggestion that Mao's possible run for the presidency (which is his right) could ruin the polls for FDC exudes a fixated mindset that ONLY FDC can take on M7. Has it occurred to you that the opposition could field one candidate and Mao could be that candidate? You probably don't like the guy but don't poison the minds of those who are objective and maturely think.

PREJUDICED ARTICLE
written by OJA, March 10, 2010

The author of the above article is totally biased and prejudiced. He is still propagating ill-feelings towards a people that lives in northern Uganda. This author is a naive and cocooned person with narrow-mindedness. If you didn't like the idea that Mao was voted DP president solely based on his personal merit, something that had nothing to do with tribe (northern, southern , eastern, western etc), you should have kept quiet. I'm really disappointed with that man Semuwamba. He is one of the reasons why Mao said it would be better for people to create another republic to live in as equal citizens with respect and dignity rather than live in today's Uganda where they are in effect taken for non-citizens.

Mao,no chance this time., Low-rated comment [Show]

You don't know about Uganda...
written by Jar, March 11, 2010

In response to Seezi,
"We had enough of the Nilotic brutality both under Obote and Amin.It is time for somebody from the South or Eastern Uganda. "
FYI...Padhola and Teeso reside in Eastern Uganda and are Nilotics. Wasn't it Baganda in Luwero who gave M7 a cover and thus, the artrocities in Luwero? Is that the way to work with a democratically elected govt (Obote) or if you believe the elections were stolen why didn't you wait for the next to make your vote heard instead of capitalizing on war to overthrow a govt? FYI...Obote govt had more western, southern and eastern than northerners (mainly in the Military) and that is a huge difference from M7 adm, today. Refrain from divisionism and focus on progressiveness...when outside Africa you are all BLACK PERIOD!!

Obote govt was dominated by northerners
written by rehema, March 11, 2010

Jar is telling lies.Obote 2 cabinet had less baganda compared to the population of Uganda.Obote 2 cabinet had no muslim at all.Obote 1 army was dominated by Langi and Acholi,the same as UNLA forces.Oyite Ojok recruited more tribesmate than other tribes.

-3

In response to Jar
written by Seezi Sewagaba, March 11, 2010

The Itetsos are Nilo hermites.Many Itetsos were arch supporters of Obote.Obote's Special Force military unit was full of Itetsos.Itetsos committed many attrocities against other Ugandans especially the Southerners.Many were Obote's henchmen.By saying that it is time for Southerners or Easterners to form a President,I meant Baganda or at least somebody from the Southern region.By Easterners, I meant a Musoga,Mugisu,Munyori,Mugwere,Samya.Political power has been monopolised by the Northerners and Westerners since indepenedence thanks to their monopoly of the gun.Now it is time for a change.Power should be in civilised hands unlike has been the case since independence.It is time to remove the gun from politics and instead debate issues instead of using force.

-3

SEEZI SEWAGABA; "LAPOYA"
written by jane, March 11, 2010

Who let Seezi out of the penetentiary, or is there a computer for inmates?
You see, Seezi doesn't belong in a mental institution, he belongs in one of those maximum security houses for mental felons. He would be the only patient there!!!!!!!!!!
STOP YOUR NONSENSE, If you feel that a Muganda or anyone else should be the next president, just bring him/her forward since you are the one who will decide.
Just shut up!!!!!!!!!!!!

...
written by Mukasa Eddie, March 12, 2010

Guys, let us calm down. Some of these messages are coming from the "dirty desk of the State". I see it coming a lot when there are issues to do with Buganda; and now it is Mao. The "dirty desk of the state" works by posting messages that are divisive and that way they will rule longer (divide & rule). On Buganda issues, the messages are posted such that the other tribes in Uganda see Federo as a Buganda agenda and just in case someone decides to have another referendum on federo in future, we will be defeated unless we take up arms to fight for federo. On Mao, it is working to divide the opposition.

Nile Republic is the only way
written by Olupot, March 12, 2010

Seezi, I also say we are tired of the westerners, 25 years is far too long - they are greedy and think that Uganda belongs to them, they have looted the country dry, killed people all over the country and outside Uganda, yet they keep talking of the brutality and backwardness of the northerners. Give me a break, i will be very happy with a Nile Republic, because at least the north will have civilty and good governance, let the southerners be, lets see how far they get with their greediness and brutality.

Can we stop fighting and begin embracing
written by Mutebi Kalemeera, March 13, 2010

Guys stop fighting.
Love for each other is the only way forward. We are all Ugandans and this makes us brothers and sisters. Let us learn to love each other, treat each other with diginity and work together. The more we fight each other the more we sink our country deeper.
Love always wins !!

Olupot Is right
written by Twakoowa, March 13, 2010

Yes yes yes, at a long last we are getting people with dignity and courage having their say. Opulot is right. The party is over, it was a bad one to start with, but thank heavens it's over. Yes, the Nile Republic might be the first really independent country State from what was used to be Uganda, to strike some fine neighbourhood deals with the Kingdom of Buganda after this dreadful occupation is over. Peace to the people of the Nile Republic and Peace to the people of the Kingdom of Buganda.

-2

twakoowa, maj kalifano, hitopen etc
written by Kasirye P, March 15, 2010

I have for long suspected that many of these messages are from people who are not what they claim to be. Why is it that, it is always the same people speaking for and against Buganda. We are tired of the twakoowa's, maj kalifanos, hitopen (whatever) who are always pouring their rotten foul smelling mouths here. Come openly guys and let us know you; don't hide behind false names. In fact, Mukasa could be right, these guys are from the dirty desk of state house. If you thought we enjoy what you write, just know this: we laugh at how stupidity

...
written by Mukasa Eddie, March 15, 2010

Just read carefully what Twakoowa always writes: He is never critical of Museveni who has denied us federo and instead attacks the people of Northern Uganda who have been out of government for close to 30 years. Yes, the governments of Obote and Amin commited crimes here in Buganda (and even in Northern Uganda by the way) and that fact will never be denied. Chasing away non-Baganda has never been our way of life. Should Baganda who have settled elsewhere in Uganda and in Europe, America, Asia etc also be chased back to Buganda. Twakoowa's if they are trully what they are, then they lack social exposure

Yes, let the Twakoowas shut up on Buganda issues
written by Mukasa Eddie, March 15, 2010

Twakoowa's should do us a favour and forever shut up on Buganda issues. They do not speak for us. Yes we want federo and we will get it. We know where our current problem lies and it is definitely not Northern Uganda that is on our way to get federo. The Twakoowa's are only being diversionary because they are paid to do so. Let us know this, as technology increases, so does our insecurity i.e. it should be easy to locate the server and even the computers the Twakoowa's use to send their messages. Lack of social exposure can be a big disease!

Mukasa, you can't even intimidate an Old woman
written by Twakoowa, March 16, 2010

All your argument is about Twakoowa and nothing about the truth of what has brought us here today. That name "Mukasa" doesn't make you a Muganda, neither does your anger of whether many Baganda are not talking about the federal issue anymore. Every self respecting newspaper and subscribers know that a great majority of the Baganda today are after their own Kingdom state. We ceased chasing after federal, an agreement with people who aren't interested in one. Wake up and smell the coffee. And by the way, you should feel blessed that I've responded to your comment, share it with your friend who calls himself "Kasirye P", and right after that go take your violent threats back to your mothers.

-2

"KAsirye" , "Mukasa", lies and big deseases
written by Twakoowa, March 16, 2010

Of course I know about the IPs and so much else, you would too if you were friends with knowledge. SO if Iam being paid by whoever you said, how will it be of any help to you to trace my IP? then you will do what with it, take it to my suppossed employer? Your are practically weeping over the Baganda's will to go their own way, the reason they give is that you are a murderous lot, bad mannered and faithless. And yes, we will call the Baganda in other areas of Uganda back home, before you kill and eat them. We will remain maintain good relations with other civilised peoples who aspire to goodness. I hope that answers your question.

-2

"Kasirye" , "Mukasa", lies and big deseases 2
written by Twakoowa, March 16, 2010

I admit you both might know quite a lot about lies, social exposure and big diseases. But about your Bagandahood, don't waste your time, we know the difference. It's written in every letter of both your comments. Have some pride and dignity, be what God made you to be. Phew!! Twakoowa.

-2

INSULTS AND COUNTER INSULTS-NOT FOR THIS FORUM
written by Kabaale G Timothy K K, March 17, 2010

Mao should distance himself from secession, sayings like second citizens, a good muganda is a dead one and the like serve not Uganda but tribal sentiment.
Let all of Ugandans choose a leader they believe in whether by vitue of their party or personality.
I would love a leader that is willing to forgive, live with the others and develop Uganda for all otherwise vengeance in the name of justice is a game we have played since independence with tragic results.

It's Now over For Ever. No More Uganda Period.
written by Twakoowa, March 17, 2010

Talk is cheap. This is the day after, we 've started another phase. The final countdown. Don't let anyone lie to another, Uganda is dead and was burried in the ahses last night. Dead and gone for ever and ever. People go home. Words are useless, we are so beyond that now. Bye bye to the smart lot.

-2

Use your brains Twakoowa
written by Mukasa Eddie, March 19, 2010

There you go again Twakoowa. "That name Mukasa does not make you a Muganda blah blah......." Are you insane? All that you are saying here is beyond disgusting. What makes you think you are a more Muganda than I; you war mongering? What are you smoking by the way? Let me hope I am not chatting with a schizophrenic! If you trully have brains, then use it. OR, if you are serious it is not easy to find non-Baganda in Kampala (oh is it?) and start killing them and see how many sane minded Baganda will lend you a hand! We don't believe in your war mongering, period. Go and hang if you have a problem with this!

What is in a "Mukasa"'s heart ?
written by Twakoowa, March 19, 2010

Mukasa or whatever you real name is, have some pride and be whatever made you to be. God always knows better, and all His work is beautiful. I have reasons to believe though that you don't accept this. You see, it's common knowledge that what is in a person's heart is what comes out of his mouth. So from all that you write, you give whoever is interested a very good description of yourself. You write about insanity war mongering, smoking narcotic herbs, schizophrenia, lack of brains, starting to kill, and then you lie and lie. I write about Buganda going it's way, because I've got a yearning for peace in my heart, which is Godly, in case you have experienced the feeling.

What is in a "Mukasa"'s heart ? 2
written by Twakoowa, March 19, 2010

Then you write about going to hang, well let me not delay you, that's none of my business. By the way, there is no way you are going to stop God's plan. You might feel like you've got wings today because you and yours are doing all the killing of the innocent people, plus burning everything and everyone you can get your hands on. One of these days you'll know that the world doens't belong to you. And mark my words Buganda is going to go free. Don't tell me about my people, I know them better. Have you ever heard of our national motto? Katonda n'Obuganda Omwooyo Gumu ne Meeme Emu. With a single spirit we can always tell. So your lie is not smart enough it interest anyone. But then again, you can only be you.

What is in a "Mukasa"'s heart ? 3
written by Twakoowa, March 19, 2010

And don't waste your time to reply with your vernomous insults from a soul overflowing with evil. So called "Ugandans" like you have made debates useless. This is something you learn and keep your eye open for on this internet. You can't talk/discuss with everyone you come across, like it doesn't happen in the real world. Which is why Iam off this blog. I am sure this will cause many truth haters on here to burst with happiness. I just told the same thing to the person who notified me about your pitifully sick comment. Now you can go do your hanging thing. I would have advised you to go slow on that neck, but I don't want to be called a busy body. So, just enjoy or whatever.

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Mao's election and secession of the Nile State

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