By John Mary Odoy
The late President Binayisa Lukongwa Godfrey said that the seat of the president is “sweet”. It sounded funny and like a joke but it is real and true. Mr. Museveni, the current ruler of Uganda has qualified the statement. Keeping in power for 40 years and moreover even seeking more years is a clear demonstration of President Binaisa’s theory.
The seat is so “sweet” for him that anything or anyone that threatens the status quo is quickly silenced or quickly whisked away. It is not surprising that several personalities who showed capacities and were capable of providing alternative leadership are currently off the political scene or are no more.
It is also no wonder that many supporters of the opposition and key personalities who hold alternative views and are critical to his governance are incarcerated. What is quite painful is that several youthful, energetic and productive persons are rotting in prison some of who are innocent or for reasons that do not amount one being kept in prison for over half a decade.
It is ungodly and unchristian to subject people to undeserving punishments and sufferings. Mr Museveni’s ruthlessness is not called for. It is suffocating reasoning and productivity. It is merely creating fear among the people and further deepening hatred for him, his family and the people close to him.
The recent utterances regarding Mr. Museveni’s hospitalisation speak volumes. The comments and wishes for his non-recovery were overwhelming. The anger and hatred among many Ugandans for Mr. Museveni’s rule which has dehumanised the citizens, is beyond imagination.
This is a red flag to him and if it were not for the spirit of selfishness or the fear of the repercussions after he steps down from power, he should have let the seat go. If Mr. Museveni was a patriot with genuine love for this country and its citizens, he would have stopped his bid for the presidency the next 5 years. His continued stay in power plunges the country into deeper problems.
This is not what Ugandans ought to have. Signs are written on the wall to show that a Uganda without Mr. Museveni will be different and it is likely to be a better Uganda. The manifestoes of the competing candidate say so and the persons behind them, who are fed up with the state of the nation promise appear to be resolved to deliver the desired change, The Uganda citizens want.
It is time therefore for Mr. Museveni to reflect on the past, focusing on the failures when critically analysed are far above the successes. Uganda is currently, without any exceptions, a failed state. There is no magic that can reverse it under the current rulers. Enough is enough. A return to Museveni’s rule for another term of office is like jumping from the frying pan to fire.
The majority of Ugandans are either silent or fear to publicly express how disgusted and tired they are with the presidency because of a possible ruthless reaction if they did so openly. It is time Mr. Museveni saved the country from a further political, economic and social slump. Ugandans should be given a chance to enjoy their country and not to suffer because an individual and his family want to keep in power. It will be devastating to let him and his family continue to govern this country.
Infinite stay in power is not only retrogressive, it is destructive, inhuman and not for the present times. The progressive world calls for respect and promotion of human rights without any exception, calls for equality and inclusiveness, calls for living a life in dignity, and calls for transparency and accountability.
The infinite stay in power has led to failure on all these fronts, established extremely vulnerable and intimidated communities, causing severe social and physical pain, and untold suffering to the people of Uganda. Enough is enough! Ugandans will have no choice but to reclaim their freedom using any available means. When the oppressed become depressed, no one wants to see what happens next. Time will tell but it will not be a surprise if the next national action is citizens apprising.
The author is John Mary Odoy, a Senior citizen who can be reached via johnmary.ceon@gmail.com. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
