By Sammy Gilbert/Democratic Party
Every generation receives moments that test its wisdom, values and its vision for the future.
Some moments are ordinary, while others become defining chapters in the history of a community.
As Ugandans prepares for the LC1 elections, we stand at a moment beyond the excitement of campaigns, political conversations and mobilization lies, but at a deeper responsibility: choosing leaders who reflect the hopes, struggles and aspirations of the people.
_The question before us is not only who will win, but what kind of leadership will shape the future of our villages?_
This question takes us to Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s powerful novel The Devil on the Cross.
“Through the life journey of Jacinta Wariinga, Ngũgĩ tells the story of a woman who experiences disappointment, exploitation and injustice, yet refuses to remain defeated”.
Her journey is a reminder that challenges do not have the final word:
its courage, dignity and determination that transform the future.
Wariinga’s story speaks to every community because it reminds us that the strength of society lies not only in those who hold power, but in the choices made by ordinary people.
As Wariinga travels on the Matata Matamu matatau, she meets people from different backgrounds, each carrying their own struggles, dreams and hopes.
Their journey reflects our own communities.
In Uganda we may have different political views, different backgrounds and different choices, *but we share one home and one future.*
Farmers, traders, youth, women, elders and families all depend on the quality of leadership within their villages.
The LC1 leader is not a distant official; they are the person we meet on the road, the person who helps resolve disputes, the person who understands our daily challenges and the person entrusted with protecting community harmony.This is why LC1s are important in our lives.
The greatest warning in The Devil on the Cross comes from the famous Devil’s Feast, where powerful people compete over their ability to accumulate wealth and influence at the expense of others.
_Ngũgĩ challenges society to question what kind of power it celebrates._
Robert Greene’s writings on power and influence also remind us that leadership is shaped by how people use authority and how others respond to that influence.
Those who hold power
can encourage, guide and mobilize communities, but citizens must always maintain the wisdom to make thoughtful choices.
The leaders we trusted yesterday may offer guidance today, but the final responsibility for our future remains with the people who cast their votes.
_African thinkers such as Chinua Achebe and Nelson Mandela remind us that true leadership is not about standing above people; it is about standing with them._
A great leader is not measured by the size of their influence, but by the number of lives they improve.
As Uganda makes its choice, let us look beyond party colours and political excitement.
Let us choose leaders who listen before they speak, unite before they divide, and serve before they seek recognition.
Because elections may last for a season, but communities live with the consequences of their choices every day.
Beyond party colours lies character.
Beyond political power lies responsibility.
Beyond winning lies service.
The greatest victory of the LC1 elections will not simply be who receives the most votes, but whether Ugandans choose a leadership that strengthens unity, protects dignity and builds hope for generations to come.
