Op-Ed: As a concerned citizen of Uganda, I wish to express my deep concern over the evelopments taking place in our country.
It is evident that the current political situation, if not anti-political situation, because politically is actually dead in our country, is deeply concerning and calls for urgent and decisive action from all stakeholders to save our country from further decline and decay.
Recently, well all witnessed the controversial, illegal, and citizens-insulting action involving the President’s son, a serving soldier carrying the presidential convey to go for a political rally in Masaka. Personally, I may not fully blame General Muhoozi alone for such developments, nor his father alone, and all those surrounding them.
WHY?
The scenario highlighted, and the ongoing challenges facing the country just underscore the need for fundamental shift in our mindset as a country, a shift in governance and accountability, a more meaningful citizens’ engagement to chart a new path forward for the country.
Allow me distribute the responsibility for the challenges we are facing:
- THE TO THE PRESIDENT, HIS SON AND THE ENTIRE FAMILY AND RELATIVES, AND THE RULING FAMILY:
It is imperative that the leadership of Uganda upholds the rule of law, respects the constitution, and refrains from actions that undermine democratic principles and the institutions of the country.
The involvement of military and police officers in partisan politics, the concentration of power in the hands of a few reckless opportunistic elites, and the erosion of accountability mechanisms only serve to deepen the crisis of governance and perpetuate the climate of impunity.
It is crucial for President Museveni and his administration to prioritise the well-being of all Ugandans, promote inclusive governance and work towards genuine reforms that address the root causes of political, social and economic problems that currently afflict the nation.
Mr President, I know you have enough wisdom, but please remember, there will be Uganda after you, which your family and relatives still need, when you are long gone.
For General Muhoozi and his team disregarding the constitution, it is not the paper or the book that he is disregarding: he has virtually insulted all Uganda whose aspirations are embodied in those sacred documents.
People may laugh, smile, and pretend to be okay with it at the moment because they feel they are hostages of naked power, but inside the suppressed bitterness may be unmanageable in future.
- TO THE OFFICIAL OPPOSITION IN OUR COUNTRY
The opposition in Uganda, by law, is meant to play a critical role in holding government accountable by promoting informed, representing the interests of the people, and constantly advocating for democratic reforms.
It should be to oppose by proposing. It is essential that the opposition leaders remain steadfast in their commitment in upholding democratic values, instead of fighting and jostling for position. Opposition is not for positions.
Engaging constructively in dialogue with all stakeholders, and working towards a more inclusive participatory system is the only way to have sustainable politics.
Joining forces to challenge the status quo and advocate for meaning change is crucial in advancing the interests of all Ugandans and promoting more equitable and just society.
- TO THE INTELLECTUAL AND CIVIL SOCIETY
Intellectuals, academics and civil society, we/you have a vital role to play in promoting informed debate. Many of us seem to have taken the path of cynicism, apathy, resignation, or even join the party in looting the country dry.
It is only critical thinking, and civic engagement that will liberate Uganda and give it sustainable good governance. No amount of guns and oppression will ever liberate this country.
It is incumbent upon academics and intellectuals to speak out against abuse of power, corruption, and violation of human rights; you may be living under the delusion that, that those who speak out are wasting time.
You will discover in future it is actually you, who has been wasting time. You think you are busy making money and investing, but that is like writing on water, if stability in the country’s future is in doubt. We need to stop cynicism, and stand up to advocate for transparency, accountability, good governance, and embolden people to stand up and face impunity.
It is only through nurturing a culture of intellectual freedom, critical inquiry and civic responsibility, those intellectuals can help mobilise public awareness towards the abuses and the impunity they suffer without knowing.
Uganda’s problem is not poverty; it is lack of awareness towards building a just and democratic society that will guarantee them the basics for a decent life.
- TO ORDINARY CITIZENS OF UGANDA
The citizens of Uganda hold the power to shape the future of their country through active engagement: it is not President Museveni, Mr Kyagulanyi, Dr Besigye, Gen. Muntu, Chairman Mao, or Gen Muhoozi. Liberators don’t exist. The people liberate themselves.
We must stop this bogus mentality of saviour and “GOVERNMENTI ETUYAMBE”. It is the people who are the government. Not President Museveni and his small clique!
We must learn to collectively hold leaders accountable for their actions or inaction. It is silly to blame the president or the opposition all the time. Real power belongs to us! If you rise one – by – one in isolation, the cowards will pick us one – by – one and finish us. Divided we fall, united we stand.
Politics is a collective activity: it is essential for ordinary citizens to learn the art of collective action, and solidarity to demand for accountability, and transparency, exercise our rights and actively participate in all political processes to ensure our voices are heard and our concerns are addressed.
By fostering the culture of civic responsibility, unity and collective action, ordinary citizens can defeat any force, liberate themselves and contribute to building a more inclusive, democratic and prosperous Uganda for all of us.
- DO NOT DO THE SAME THING ALL THE TIME AND EXPECT DIFFERENT RESULTS
In conclusion, the challenges facing Uganda today require a concerted effort from all stakeholders to overcome divisions, promote dialogue, and work towards building a more just and democratic society, by uniting in a common cause, upholding democratic values, and advocating for meaningful reforms, Uganda can embark on a path of renewal, transformation, and progress, that benefits all its citizens.
In fact, the vision of a federal government, constitutional review, and shared governance offers a pathway towards de-concentrating the overwhelming power of absolute presidency, corruption, accountability and inclusivity that can help address the current crisis, and the pave way for a brighter future Uganda.
The President has all the Bank of Uganda in State house, all the soldiers and the determination to finish all the opposition: it is clear he only wants NRM and PLU.
The next trick in the bag is for MPs to elect the President: good, why can all the opposition join NRM or PLU, and allow the best people to be voted in parliament?
Ugandans are not ready, the way I see, to do the Tunisian way. Do have to always fight to win a battle? Just thinking allowed!
If people are cunning, become cunning: do not face a madman holding a machete without a shield.
The author is Steven Birija Kazimura, the Former Masindi district LCV Chairman.
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