Opinion Posts

Stay calm, Uganda is not Sudan or Algeria

Events in Algeria and Sudan where long serving presidents have been toppled in quick succession many people have sent many tongues wagging with excitement within the opposition, and suppressed trepidation among some NRM supporters worried that the trend could soon sweep through Uganda. It is important to analyse what appears to be the common threads in Algeria and Sudan, namely ideology, social and economic deprivation, lack of democracy, longevity and age of the presidents, to understand if Uganda is similarly fertile for a popular mass insurrection. 

Tourist kidnap, Rescue and the Uganda Media Frenzy

Following last week’s events involving the kidnap and eventual rescue of an American female tourist, Kimberly Sue Endicott and her tour guide Jean Paul Mirenge, in the Queen Elizabeth National park’s Ishasha sector in Kanungu district, frenzy, anxiety and cynicism descended into the local Ugandan media. The frenzy and anxieties were understandable because of the potential ramifications on Uganda’s economic progress, stability and image as a good destination for investments, trade and tourism.

Besigye is wrongly Reading Uganda’s Political Trends

Weeks of peaceful protests, that forced Algeria’s president for twenty years, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, to abandon running again for office, and on Tuesday culminated in him relinquishing power with immediate effect has re-ignited Dr Kizza Besigye, back to ‘life’ swinging his political pendulum aimlessly. Bouteflika suffered a stroke in 2013 and has rarely been seen in public.

Norbert Mao, Besigye, Muntu, Kyagulanyi, and the Devil’s Bargain

Opposition political groupings are reported to be mulling over whether to work in alliance towards 2021 elections supposedly to defeat the NRM, but perhaps more precisely, to dislodge President Yoweri Museveni, whose longevity gives them sleepless nights. But, so far, the deep cracks are evidently visible, as each accuses the other of being a mole working for President Museveni. And although each of them claim, without much evidence to be fighting for ‘Ugandans’, it will be quite hard for them to dismantle NRM’s record.

It’s an Insult Accusing Museveni of Harbouring ‘Terrorists’

Uganda and Rwanda have had so much contact spanning centuries, the greater part under colonialism, backwardness, and mass murders by governments we jointly stopped for which each side should be grateful for their respective roles. But following so much opprobrium accompanied by pettiness flowing under the bridge from across Uganda’s southern border in the last one month, it is prudent that the renewed frostiness is put into perspective.

It seems quite Easy being in the Opposition

National Resistance Movement (NRM) members of parliament are at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi for a one week retreat under the theme “Industrialization for job creation and shared prosperity,” which will review progress over the last three years. Going by the first two days, engagements have been vigorous, and hopefully, MPs will return wiser, ideologically energized, cohesive and committed to a higher sense of purpose.

RDCs should straighten up in their Respective Roles

Two weeks ago all the two hundred and four Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and their deputies who were appointed in mid 2018 completed their induction at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi into government service with expectations that their individual and collective performance will be better, much more visible and consistent with the laws. In addition, the ministry for the presidency has embarked on regional joint engagements with district leaders to deepen their appreciation of the key priorities of government.

Coverage and collaboration of the Media

When Government of Uganda finally confirmed that Pope Francis will be coming to Uganda, it was thrilling and all Ugandans were looking forward to the historic visit and being part of it. By virtue of my job, I knew I would be heavily involved especially when it comes to Publicity and media management. This was another chance to be involved in facilitating a big event, the first one being CHOGM in 2007. I am always heavily involved in government events but I knew that the Pope’s visit would be special.

Access to Education critical to National Development

Uganda’s education sector suffered devastation in the 1970’s owing to civil war and unrest that characterized the country at the time. School infrastructure was run down; man power was lost mainly due to brain drain, combined with neglect.  

Shortly after the NRM government came to power, reforms were suggested to revamp the education system and the programmes that the system came up with were mainly to address issues of access, equality and sustainability. 

Gains for women and Girls; a Journey well Covered

Women’s struggle for equality has been a long battle that still continues into the present day. All over the world, there is a natural order that places women in a different bubble from men. This of course disadvantages the woman, who ideally is supposed to be submissive to the man, be obedient and in some cases the woman is not allowed to make decisions that affect her livelihood.

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