Collectively, we can make 2019 better

The New Year is upon us. 2019 has come at a time when the nation has many things to celebrate and many to forget. Most recent is having Miss Uganda Quiin Abenakyo participate in Miss World 2018 and go right up to the top 5, as well as claim the Miss World Africa title, both feats a first time for Uganda.

Let us not forget that our Uganda Cranes football team worked hard and have for the second consecutive time, ensured that we will be part of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament this year. Still in sports, Joshua Cheptegei and Stella Chesang lifted the Uganda flag high when they won gold medals at the 2018 Commonwealth games; Cheptegei in both the 5000m and 10,000m races, and Chesang in the 5000m race. In innovation, Brian Gitta, 24, won the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa Prize for making a malaria testing kit without withdrawing blood. There were strides in infrastructure too. The Kampala-Entebbe Expressway was officially opened, as well as the New Jinja Bridge, both of these not just improving and easing transport but providing beautiful infrastructure. These wins and many others show that we are a country of people capable of so much and all this talent and hard work should be applauded, rewarded and encouraged.

But 2018 was also a time that provided scenes that were a stain on our history. The manner in which Opposition politicians, especially Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, have been treated, leave a lot to be desired. The incarceration and torture of Bobi Wine in August, and recent refusal to let him have concerts, reeks of intolerance, which is simply not something we ought to witness with a democratic government. Months have gone by and we still do not know who was behind the deaths of former MP for Arua Municipality, Ibrahim Abiriga, who was gunned down on June 8 or former Buyende District Police commander Muhammad Kirumira, who was killed on September 8.

As we start the year, we call upon the government to put more effort in making more gains. Health, education and employment continue to be areas that need improvement. A healthy and educated nation is sure to produce enough for its people. Very importantly, as we head towards national elections in 2021, the ruling government needs to assure the people that they can compete in a manner that is seen to be fair.
Let us also remember that while the government needs to do it’s part, as individuals we need to do ours as well. What we call on our government to do, including practicing partiality, fairness, and all such virtues, we must first do ourselves.
A Happy New Year to us all.