Uganda deserves a lot better

The ongoing trials and tribulations of the Bank of Uganda remind me of a similar scenario in the Scriptures recorded in the Old Testament book of Habakkuk. The tragedy of the Central Bank is a symptom of the mess, rot and deep-seated malaise which has afflicted the body politic of Uganda as a direct result of 33 years of misrule, endemic corruption and moral decadence.

Like many Christians of Uganda, Habakkuk struggled with and wrote about the problems of evil and injustice in the kingdom of Judah where wrongdoers seemed to succeed and get away with crime, while good people suffered with bitterness. Habakkuk was angry and upset that God did not judge gross and blatant evil deeds and sins committed by or against the people of Judah.
Biblical scholars believe that prophet Habakkuk wrote his book during the early days of King Jehoiakim of Judah, a wicked man who ruled from 609-598 BC. He was removed from power by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar who invaded Judah as divine punishment.

The challenge Habakkuk confronted is not unlike what millions of Africans face daily in many countries, including Uganda. How does one approach the Almighty God when one is angry and frustrated? What should a devout Christian do when he or she feels disappointed because God appears to be silent and not answering the cry of millions of innocent people who are suffering under the yoke of oppression perpetrated by callous, evil and unjust men?
Habakkuk answers similar difficult and painful questions in three chapters of a fascinating book whose key phrase is, “the righteous will live by his faith” Habakkuk 2:4 (NIV).

Habakkuk cries out to God
Habakkuk begins venting his anger and frustration. He writes: “How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or I cry out to you, ‘Violence!’ but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife and conflict abounds. Therefore, the law is paralysed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.” Habakkuk 1:1-4 (NIV).

Does that not sound familiar? I am sure many Africans, including Ugandans cry to God, day and night, out of anger and frustration like prophet Habakkuk. God answered Habakkuk. I strongly believe that, the Lord will, in the fullness of time, answer all who cry out to Him for justice, peace and salvation.

God answers Habakkuk
Make no mistake, God hears and answers prayers, but the Lord is sovereign and we cannot force or pressurise Him to answer prayers at our convenience. God answered Habakkuk as follows:
“Look at the nations and watch and be utterly amazed. For, I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.

I am raising up the Babylonians, that ruthless and impetuous people who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwelling places not their own. They are feared and dreaded people, they are a law to themselves, and promote their own honour.” Habakkuk 1:5-7 (NIV).
The Babylonian invasion took place in 605 BC and the invading force was ruthless, destructive and vicious and they left no stone unturned.

Lessons for Uganda
As a predominantly Christian nation, Ugandans must learn important lessons from the word of God contained in the Scriptures. It’s an open secret that thousands of Ugandans are praying daily, individually or collectively and unceasingly for our beloved country. The prayers are for justice, an end to gross misrule and a peaceful transition. May the Lord have mercy and save the people of Uganda from corruption, injustice, violence, impunity, the cult of mediocrity and tyranny!

Tomorrow, July 1, two new districts will be inaugurated in West Nile sub-region, namely, Madi Okollo District and Obongi District. The interim LC5 Chairperson of Madi Okollo is my friend and namesake, Mr Genesis Acema. I wish both districts good luck.
At independence, in 1962, West Nile sub-region was one multi-ethnic district which was united, peaceful and prosperous. As of tomorrow, West Nile will consist of 11 economically unviable districts. The divide and rule strategy shamelessly practised by the ruling clique to hoodwink wananchi must be rejected by West Nilers because it’s not in our best interests.

Mr Acemah is a political scientist and retired career diplomat.
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