Failure to recognise your own is lack of patriotism – Part II

As Ugandans, we seem to lack the courage to acknowledge and appreciate what other compatriots have done or achieved.
Perhaps the worst type of behaviour in this culture can be exemplified by two phenomena. During former president Idi Amin’s regime, a general requested Amin to appoint his nephew to a senior government post.
Amin investigated and found that the post had already been filled by another Ugandan.

He offered his regrets to the general. A week later, the general returned and told Amin jubilantly that the post was now vacant because the previous occupant was shot dead the night before. Not even Amin himself believed the story to be above board.

A second illustration is from the habits of a certain crab that fishermen catch at the coast. Fishermen use shallow trays and every time they catch a handful of the crab and place them in the tray, they go back to catch others.

Apparently each individual crab on its own can easily climb out of the tray and return to the sea. Unfortunately, however, whenever one of them tries to do so, the others pull it back to the bottom of the tray. The fishermen have nothing to fear that any of their catches will escape from their fishing trays.
That brings us to the official recognition of national heroes and achievers.

Since retired Deputy Chief Justice Steven Kavuma and I smuggled in the 1995 Constitution an additional title to the President namely “Fountain of Honour”, thousands of Ugandans who have benefited under that title have tended to be soldiers, NRM party members and supporters. But not many are from critics such as this columnist, former Ethics minister Miria Matembe later on their opponent Dr Kizza Besigye.
Consequently, Uganda has become increasingly sectarian, partisan, tribal and personal in its public affairs.

Ugandans who have travelled far and wide have witnessed how heroes and national achievers are hailed and treated in other countries. They are displayed in public galleries, national parks and halls of fame collectively and individually. They are representatives of the whole nation.
In some of those countries such as the United Kingdom, notorious characters who made history are also exhibited in national galleries.

Former president Milton Obote is a hero who fought and gained independence for Uganda. Former Chief Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka was the first Ugandan Chief Justice at independence. Idi Amin governed Uganda for nine long torturous years. Lastly, retired Chief Justice Samuel Wambuzi guided this nation the longest.

Their compatriots should be displayed in the national archives and parks, would the NRM not wish to have President Museveni who has ruled Uganda for more than 30 years be remembered in the national archives?

Prof Kanyeihamba is a retired Supreme Court judge.
[email protected]