There is still life after campaigns, elections
The 2021 presidential race will be see incumbent Mr Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Museveni take on NUP/People Power presdidential candidate Robert Ssentamu, better known as Bobi Wine. PHOTO MONTAGE/NMG
What you need to know:
- The issue: Elections.
- Our view: Violence and criminality during electioneering are wrong and not essential in an environment of thriving democracy in a civilised society.
- Therefore, after nominations for the office of president next week and other political positions already in contention, let the campaigns be seamless and peaceful, characterised by respect for each other.
- After the vote has been cast, the counting done, and new office bearers settled in their seats, life will continue.
The stage is now set for the 2021 election politics and all forms of political antics are going to be displayed by different political aspirants and actors to woo the voters to themselves and to have their way. This political showdown is unfolding with great gusto and with high tempo, reading from what happened during the NRM primaries to elect party flag bearers a few months ago.
The violence witnessed during the polls was unmatched and even lead to loss of lives.
Now we are headed for the defining moment of the build up to final campaign and eventual selection of our choices of who should lead and govern us, come 2021 and thereafter.
However, as a country, we tend to forget that life does not start and end with campaigns and elections. The spirit of humanity and humility tends to evaporate during such moments. Usually, the country witnesses brutality meted out by security agencies, some candidates unleashing terror against each other and having violent visitations on innocent people, all in an attempt to either outcompete or out do the other, or just to demonstrate might, with the resultant outcome of injury or death.
We appeal to the candidates to remain civil and humane during their campaigns, well knowing that Uganda and her citizens will still be around after the elections. Politics of choosing our leaders can be done in harmony while preserving life and property, and it should never be a matter of life and death.
Violence and criminality during electioneering are wrong and not essential in an environment of thriving democracy in a civilised society.
Therefore, after nominations for the office of president next week and other political positions already in contention, let the campaigns be seamless and peaceful, characterised by respect for each other, because after the vote has been cast, the counting done, and new office bearers settled in their seats, life will continue.
We do not want to fathom a situation where you tear each other apart, maim one another, hurl all sorts of profanities during campaigns, and yet you have to continue with life in the same setting with the same set of people you harassed or tortured or insulted. We should ensure safety of all candidates and respect for the rule of law.
We say that let politicking go unhindered and unfettered for there is a tomorrow after all this highly politically charged time. Let’s have a difference this time around.
