Lack of empathy with Kibuule signifies deep-seated problems in our society
State minister for Water Ronald Kibuule and his wife Fortunate lay a wreath on the caskets containing the remains of their twins, Raymond Kato and Rayden Wasswa, during the burial ceremony on May 15, 2019. Photo by Alex Esagala
What you need to know:
Norms. In the African culture, you should never speak ill of the dead. You are expected to praise them, regardless of whether their actions were good or bad. In the case of the death of young, innocent children, the community is expected to come together to support the grieving family and offer them support through the difficult time.
Sad news broke out this week of the tragic death of State minister for Water Ronald Kibuule’s twins. The two-year-old boys are said to have drowned at the family swimming pool at Kasenge village, Mbalala Parish, Mukono District.
The following day, police issued a statement saying four workers had been held under Section 227 of the Penal Code Act and charged with rush or negligent act, causing death of the young children.
The swimming pool was said to be built without any safety features to prevent children from accessing the facility without supervision.
In the African culture, you should never speak ill of the dead. You are expected to praise them, regardless of whether their actions were good or bad.
In the case of the death of young, innocent children, the community is expected to come together to support the grieving family and offer them support through the difficult time.
With regard to Mr Kibuule’s case, since he is a public figure, the unfortunate incident was supposed to bring together members of the public from across the political spectrum to grieve with him.
However, it was shocking to see some members of the public express lack of sympathy for Mr Kibuule’s loss. It is possible that the reaction was due to the fact that the minister belongs to the NRM ruling party and, therefore, the public expected only supporters of his party to condole with him.
The negativity could have also been due to the fact that the State minister is considered an elite, well-to-do and close to State House, in a country where the majority of the population is struggling with extreme poverty and inequalities.
In a country where some people die under mysterious circumstances and life simple goes on, it is perhaps the reason why some sections of the public have stopped caring about the pain of others, especially if they feel those ‘others’ are privileged.
There is also a feeling among some people that the increasing divide between the rich and the poor is being fuelled by corruption and abuse of office by some elite at the expense of the taxpayers.
Therefore, the bitterness towards some members of government may have been caused by the extravagant lifestyle of some elite that gives the impression that the NRM was never interested in wealth creation or eliminating poverty among the majority of Ugandans.
The ruling NRM government might have to do much more to win back the hearts and minds of Ugandans struggling with poverty every day.
Ms Victoria Nyeko is a media commentator.
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Twitter:@VictoriaNyeko
