Sectarian politics; a Kisoro lens

The latest Kisoro elections tossed a bombshell in history as none other than Rose Kabageni suffered a humiliating loss to Grace Akifeza despite the fact that the two contestants belonged to the same party.

It's clear that the NRM leadership was merely trying to create bewilderment by pushing for their candidate, Kabageni, down people's throats. Who needs democracy when you can choose your winner? However, Akifeza had a different plan; she rallied her formidable support base and ran as an independent candidate. When life gives you a rigged election, run as an independent and win anyway.

Was that an institution problem within the ranks of NRM? Was it then old-fashioned sectarianism? Or was that simply how the electorate had been so compromised?

It seems that finally, the president must have realized that his candidate of choice was about as popular as a wet blanket. Let's face it, the NRM is not exactly known for subtlety. I mean, they're really not the most nuanced political party in the world.

The president has condemned sectarianism many times. That's like, enough to fix the problem, right? Who really needs action, when you can just talk it over? Probably the party members just did not get the memo - or they are too busy feasting at the buffet of sectarianism to care about it.

The ancient and the current politicians in Kisoro have learned the act of selfishness, as well as using sectarianism in the art of acquiring and sustaining their own influence and power. And the religious leaders? Well, they're just along for the ride, promoting unity and peace only when it's convenient for them. The winners are the old politicians who have served many terms with little impact! They are the real MVPs.

But let us not forget, politicians are not the only ones to blame here. There are those infamous elites of this country who claim to abhor politics yet won't stop complaining about how the potholes are wrecking the shock absorbers on their fancy cars. It is as if they view politics as beneath them, but they will have no problem enjoying the benefits derived from it.

These elites are the ultimate enablers of the system and have been sustaining the status quo while pretending to be above it. They are like the Kardashians of Uganda-famous for being famous but contributing nothing meaningful to society.

Talk of their other mantra of "I don't like politics." Like they are contending for Oscar Best Hypocrisy award. Politics is what gives you the roads to drive on, the schools to attend, and the hospitals to treat your hungover.

But, who needs to understand the basics of politics when you can just complain about the symptoms? It's like they're saying, "I don't like politics, but I love the benefits it provides me." Give me a break!

To the elites there, not to say you should enjoy politics; if you don't like it, then don't benefit from it. But if you want to complain about potholes, you'd better take a crash course in Politics 101. Just saying.

Dolly Parton an illustrious philosopher, once said, "Working nine to five, isn’t the only way to make a living." But in Uganda, it's more like "Serving for decades, what a way to make a career."

So, to all youth out there, fight sectarian politics that has afflicted the region for so long. Realistically, it is a whole lot easy to say than to be done. I mean "Who needs experience and wisdom when all you need is youth and energy?" As though the older politicians have not used sectarianism to lope themselves along. Let us just blame it all on the youth for not rising up sooner.

The audacity of youth! Pledging to fight for god governance, desirous of a sound and democratic nation. It is completely unrealistic.

Surely one wouldn't be bothered to complain about deep potholes and the lack of adequate drainage systems in Kampala when there is proper governance. The elites are probably sipping away the champagne, talking about how bad the "youth these days" are, and never really care to change anything for the better.

But really, all the sectarian politics in Kisoro are just a mere representation of all the sectarianism in Uganda. It's a joke and it's entertaining. Grab your popcorn and recline as you enjoy the beauty that is Uganda's sectarian politics.

Rodgers Manishimwe, [email protected]