What 55 years of independence should reflect in the country

MPs fight in Parliament recently. FILE PHOTO

What you need to know:

  • Much as the Opposition does not support mismanagement of national resources, manipulation of the Constitution, and brutality by security agencies, among others, there should be a civil, mature and professional way of addressing such grievances than engaging in uncoordinated demonstrations.
  • Like snakes shed off their skins in their growth process, Uganda at 55 years of independence, should also shed off its skin of corruption, tribalism, nepotism, laziness, dependence, and hatred to a new skin of love, accountability, hard work, unity, and patriotism.

Uganda marked 55 years of independence on Monday. But what should be reflected in the more than five-decade independent country?
That political leaders right from the President to the local chief should be patriotic, serious about the country’s development, respect the human rights of citizens, promote Uganda, utilise resources for the benefit of all citizens and not individuals, promote inclusive politics, practice tolerance regardless of one’s political, religious, and tribal affiliation as well as guide help each other.

That the ruling NRM political wing realises that some voices from the Opposition - FDC, DP, UPC and other leaders are taken into consideration in the interest of national unity. That the NRM government embarks on redistributing national resources equitably in a practical sense, not in rhetoric. The government should check the performance. And instead of oppressing the Opposition, the government should listen, respect, protect and guide, and implement good ideas from them.

Besides, the government should be accountable to the poor taxpayers and avoid attempts to shield corrupt officials. The government should also draw a clear independent line between the different government organs such as the Executive, Judiciary and Legislator. The NRM government should ensure that it implements the party manifesto instead of giving excuses. On the other hand, the Opposition should cultivate a culture of unity, maturity, etc. They should be able to appreciate the good things the government has done, for instance, in the areas of security, health, education, economy, and resources utilisation, among others.

Much as the Opposition does not support mismanagement of national resources, manipulation of the Constitution, and brutality by security agencies, among others, there should be a civil, mature and professional way of addressing such grievances than engaging in uncoordinated demonstrations.

Like snakes shed off their skins in their growth process, Uganda at 55 years of independence, should also shed off its skin of corruption, tribalism, nepotism, laziness, dependence, and hatred to a new skin of love, accountability, hard work, unity, and patriotism. It is only when this happens that we shall begin talking meaningfully about Uganda’s independence. For God and My Country.
Francis Bukenya,
[email protected]