On the legacy of a man who was delighted to come second
On June 24, Church of Uganda celebrated the feast of John the Baptist, a prophet who in contemporary times would be dismissed as a noisy gong. If he dared to preach in Kampala today, I suspect police would arrest and detain him indefinitely at the notorious Nalufenya detention facility, on orders from above.
The ongoing struggle for power in Kenya, Uganda and even Tanzania, reminds me of the story of John the Baptist who found joy and greatness by playing second fiddle and by taking a back seat when the front seat was his for the asking.
In many African countries such as, Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan politics is a dirty game and big business which explains why men and increasingly women will do, say and promise anything to get elected or remain Members of Parliament because the job of an MP is now the most lucrative position in most African countries. Politics in Africa has sadly degenerated into a cut-throat, do or die activity where the winner takes all, losers bite dust with bitterness!
When I was in Toronto, Canada, I read a book by Sean O’Sullivan, a former Canadian MP, titled Both My Houses: From Politics to Priesthood which addresses the problem of political ambition. The author wrote about the temptation to win at all costs and how this can blind a person to the true value of fellow human beings created by God in His image.
He discusses how blind political ambition can destroy the very things good politics and politicians should try to achieve, such as, genuine peace; rule of law; good governance; prosperity for all, irrespective of tribe, religion and gender and respect for the human rights of all citizens, to mention but a few.
Sean O’Sullivan fell sick during the prime of his political career and eventually died of cancer, but before he passed on he gave his life to Jesus Christ, became a pastor and finished well. Towards the end of his life, O’Sullivan made every effort to reconcile with former political opponents who, in Uganda and Kenya, are treated by those in power as enemies or traitors or terrorists! He abandoned the thankless pursuit of power and first position which brought him bitterness, pain and loneliness after he fell out with most of his friends. It is a familiar story in many African countries.
Who was John the Baptist?
The story of John the Baptist is about a remarkable man who found happiness and greatness by coming second or third. The author of the biblical story describes not so much who John was, but who he was not. John is one of my favourite characters in Scripture.
In the story some arrogant Jews sent Levites and priests to find out who John was.
The agents confronted John and asked him many questions: “Who are you? Are you Elijah? Are you a prophet?
John told the agents that he was neither the Messiah nor a prophet, but answered with a quotation from the Book of Isaiah. “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness,” sent to prepare the way for one who was greater than him.
John was not a coward, but a brave and charismatic man of integrity with a big following many of whom believed he was a prophet. He was a tough, fearless and no-nonsense preacher who condemned the political and religious elite in equal measure, often using colourful language. He denounced the Pharisees and Sadducees as a brood of vipers and publicly rebuked King Herod for grabbing his brother, Philip’s wife Herodias; this eventually cost John his life. I wonder what he would call Uganda’s political elite.
Jesus paid a glowing tribute to John saying: “Truly I tell you, among those born of women, no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
Lessons from John’s exemplary life
We live in challenging and difficult times and in a society which does not appreciate or value humility, honesty and truth. The ongoing despicable, futile and unnecessary debate on whether or not to lift the age limit for Uganda’s president has exposed the selfish, trivial and uncivilised nature of our politicians.
The reasons advanced for removing Article 102(b) are hollow, ridiculous and unconvincing. You don’t need be first or rule for life to be great or a hero. The earthly ministry of Jesus Christ whose legacy lives on forever lasted only three years. Africa’s greatest hero, Nelson Mandela, was president for only five years. Anybody who needs more than 10 years is frankly incapable and incompetent and should own up. Such a person need not waste his time and public resources, but retire peacefully. No patriot should be begged to do the right thing. Uganda deserves better!
John the Baptist is an excellent role model for Uganda’s clergy who should summon courage to speak truth to power, without fear or favour, as John did. Clergy have moral and spiritual authority to comment on and guide Ugandans on all matters, including contemporary political questions. The Kingdom of God is in heaven and here on earth. Our clergy must not be passive onlookers as dishonest and wrong elements plot to take wananchi for a ride.
For God and my Country!
Mr Acemah is a political scientist, consultant and a retired career diplomat.
