Part II: Why Mulindwa should not stand for Fufa presidency

Space in this column is not finite. Often, I must make do with oversimplifications on topics what would otherwise call for more detailed examination. Other times, like now, when interest in the subject-matter draws bulk feedback, I am obliged to borrow space from future columns and continue with the debate.
And so, it is to last weeks’ subject regarding Lawrence Mulindwa’s alleged come-back in the race for Fufa presidency, that I must return. If you understood the gist of last weeks’ piece, you can stop here. But to those who felt the subject was not exhausted and came back with alternative opinions, this is a simple continuation of that debate aimed at making head and tail of it all, and accompanied by a contemptuous attitude I hope will inform what I really think about it all.
I acknowledge that I am cynical about Mulindwa’s return, which is why I choose to put aside the hyperbole and still contend that it is a bad idea.
His motivation in ‘firing the starting gun’ for the race to Mengo, is to drag Ugandan football kicking and screaming into a brave new world of only his making, one in which he is afforded the respect he thinks he deserves.
He is formidable no doubt, but to stake the next four years of Ugandan football on an ego ruffled by ungrateful proteges is flimsy.
There are many hurdles to overcome and there is reason to think he can surmount these; and reason to think he will not.
But if Mulindwa was to achieve his goal, it is hard to predict how this story plays out. And if that sounds matter-of-fact, so are the potential problems. For one, his return neither guarantees a step forward in football development; nor does it carry the gravity of circumstances that change entire societal thinking, like say, fundamentally altering how we perceive getting into leadership.

Cult obsession
Right there, is what threatens to reduce this into a discussion about ethics. Even then, and perhaps, because of who we are as a society, a cult obsession about a man, who not even a rich imagination can honor with a badge of good governance, lingers. That is so persuasive and cannot be dismissed; or embraced uncritically.
So, what it really should all come down to is this: across several issues and at the intersection of egos and transactional politics, we are going to need answers to questions no one is interested in asking, at least not often enough; and for the right reasons.
We have faced, are facing, and will face very complex and overwhelming problems in our football, that we may well not like the answers to. But it matters that we ask good questions early and often. If we don’t, they’ll be answered for us.
And my question is, how important are bruised egos or even political careerism, for our football development? What are yours? Answer these and it becomes apparent that the return of Mulindwa, doesn’t represent the progress that many of us desire in Ugandan football.

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MBanturaki