CHANGE 2021
There is an upsurge of the People Power movement especially among the 78% of the youthful Ugandan population across Uganda and the diaspora. There are people everywhere who are motivated by the prospects of change through the People Power movement because it brings fresh untainted faces to a saturated political sphere of corruption, deceit, impunity, sectarianism, violence, arrogance, theft, among others.
The Hon. Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi's rights and efforts to oust from or replace Mr. Museveni as President must be supported as required by the constitution. The adulterated 1995 Constitution recommends that any 35 years old Ugandan by birth who qualifies to be in Parliament could become President of Uganda.
The challenge with any hegemony is that it illuminates other possibilities by overwhelming those it rules. I am sure Fidel Castro was dismissed by his contemporaries before his 1953 attempt to bring change to Cuba; biblical David was probably dissuaded from taking on mightier Goliath, and Obote promised to meet and leave Museveni in the Luwero bushes. The success stories emerging out of these encounters show that destiny has its unique path and direction once it begins to roll.
More importantly, Ugandans should have faith in change as a good thing. Until recently, no one would have imagined that Adama Barrow in Gambia could wrestle a mad man out of power! Nayib Amarndo Bukele succeeded in El Salvador against odds. In the US, the little-known Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Abdullahi Omar broke glass ceilings to become notable public figures with incredible performances in the Senate. Unless we put our citizens to a test of excellence, we shall never know what potential a country of 40 million people offers!
I would like to point out that age, inexperience, discipline, and determination are the very strengths that Hon. Kyagulanyi presents in his bid to become President. Ugandans need a new face that embodies their hopes but also people they can connect with, to lead them. The bush-war class of 1986 has outgrown their time and each effort they make to cling on to power, they just keep recreating an old future for the younger generation.
The question of Hon. Kyagulanyi's inexperience should be more enticing than scaring because Kyagulanyi has demonstrated the impeccable qualities of a great leader. The youthful legislator has illustrated in private, his management and entrepreneurial skills that have become an inspiration for the youthful population to participate in the economy.
Besides, there are millions of competent young Ugandan women and men with an impeccable reputation and CVs whose services are readily available to Hon. Kyagulanyi to succeed once President. The idea that Kyagulanyi will work irregularly like Mr. Museveni should be out of the question in a democratic government.
We have also learned that the military or the bushes do not train Presidents. They make self-absorbing tyrants who claim and cling onto power where they are never accountable to the people. A good leader for Uganda should, therefore, be bred through rigorous public scrutiny and a fair election. Definitely, there are no Universities or colleges where Ugandan Presidents are prepared.
The facets to future success for Hon. Kyagulanyi will lie in him trying and moving towards restoring the rule of law, demilitarizing and de-corrupting society through establishing order, respect for human rights, a functional democracy, restoring integrity in government and promoting an equitable process for national reintegration. These are inevitable steps that are needed for Uganda to enjoy meaningful peace that is good for social and economic investments.
The fear of change among Ugandans only highlight Mr. Museveni's questionable democratic credentials and lack of leadership must be challenged.
This myth that Mr. Museveni or his anointed successor are the only ones suited to govern Uganda reaffirms a hindrance in democratic practice and paranoia typical among insecure criminals. People who cling on Museveni are probably those who have also stolen the most, committed regime crimes and want to protect their loot, prestige and false freedoms.
Uganda should have moved beyond fear of celebrating the change of government through a tested democratic process after 35 years.
End.
