Is Uganda really a nation?

Uganda became independent in 1962. It is now 56 years since that day but many people doubt whether we are a nation where citizens consider one another as one united people. We thought that our civil war from 1981 to1986 had taught us the wisdom of nationhood and patriotism. Sadly, we are still at the formative rudimental stage of that goal.
The Constitution guarantees freedom of information. Under this principle, journalists have the right to demand information and public documents as sources of information subject to the Official Secrets Act.

Going by the reports, this right has not always been honoured by public authorities who should know better than conceal information, an act that violets the Constitution and laws of the country.
In a series of cases and precedents, Ugandan courts have endeavoured to protect this fundamental right. In the Supreme Court, Uganda vs Charles Onyango-Obbo the court extensively and in greater detail pronounced itself on this matter. Following that judgment, there was mixed reaction from lawyers and opponents of human rights. Some politicians opined that the Supreme Court had licensed the publication of false news.
On the other hand, advocates of constitutionalism and human rights jubilated, saying that cemented and guaranteed a freedom of the press.

Judges in that decision also cautioned that the freedom of the press is not absolute but is subject to national interests and the rights of other people.
Consequently, while the freedom is unfretted, the consequences of exercising it can cause liability. Those who initiate or participate in publications may be asked to withdraw or apologise lest they be sued for defamation.
Ultimately, it depends on the acts and behaviour of stakeholders who participate or are affected by the publication in question.

Where there is absolute certainty and authors and publishers know it and have evidence, there is nothing to fear because the law protects them. Truth is a complete defence; moreover, the truth may be hidden from some people for some time but never from all the people, all the time.
Former British prime minister Winston Churchill once said “truth is incontrovertible, panic may resent it; ignorance may divide it; malice may distort it; but there it is”.
Or as Celia Silver said, truth is a fixed star. Truth, like oil, will come to the surface at last. When in doubt, tell the truth. Truth is durable and it lasts. You can never bury the truth so deep that it can’t be dug up. Truth is the first casualty of any engagement in the battle of life.
Those who are intimidated by or fear the truths are reminded that they are protected by God in the knowledge that what God says about you is more important than what people say.
Or former Bishop of Kigezi George Katwesigye interpreting of God’s will, “Do not hate any one because those who hate suffer more than the people they hate”.
In jurisprudence or the science of law, it is known that telling half or part of the truth and not the whole truth is a lie. Recently, a reviewer of my latest book In the Name of God, Truth and Justice omitted the essentials of the story and invented the headline ‘Kanyeihamba accuses bishops of alcoholism in his new book’, which makes it a lie.
Patriotism implies pride and public recognition of compatriots, a culture not practised or appreciated by many Ugandans. For example, one of my publishers recently designed a poster and distributed it to libraries, educational institutions and book sellers about my latest book, but very few Ugandans reacted to it.
Many of my publications were shown on that poster. Some of them are sold worldwide and are highly appreciated, but many Ugandans fear to be associated with them because of my principles on governance and welfare of our people.

Prof Kanyeihamba is a retired Supreme Court judge.