Power Corrupts and Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely
Lydia Nakyeyune
The secret lies in the recipe; in the world of Politics, it is a game of social Psychology. Play your cards right and remain in control. Those who master the art of politics and focus on human nature and the moral purposes of political association trammel the laurels. When institutions lose their morality, the result is betrayal and oppression of those who entrusted them. It is paramount that we study the historical power struggles so that we get a stalwart foundation on which to base our decisions that shape the future. According to Andrei, “The world of politics has always been a stage for intrigue, from ancient civilizations to modern nations, the quest for power and control has driven individuals and nations to engage in secretive and manipulative tactics”. Through history, we can gain valuable insights into the motivations and strategies employed by key players, as well as the broader social, economic, and cultural factors that contributed to these conflicts (Andrei,1-6). Historical events are landmarks to help us avoid gross errors where possible because history repeats itself. Unfortunately, despite the red lights sometimes we become victims.
Scramble for Uganda
Democracy is desired but not appreciated. Everything good or bad has a price, you cannot have your cake and eat it at the same time. If the leadership appreciated the benefits of democracy, then they would live by its rules. Coming from the former autocratic leaders, Uganda struggles to have a government of people by the people for the people. Little did they know that History repeats itself. “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” (Lord Action quoted by Tyler). Great men when they exercise influence and hang onto that which they believe is their right, usually the outcome is not desired. The young generation in Uganda demand for Change. Chants of, “Ajja genda, ajja genda” translated as “He will go, he will go” were heard during the past presidential elections. While on the other hand supporters of the incumbent Yoweri Kaguta Museveni were restating,” NO Change, No Change, No Change”. Both parties have their strong arguments as to why they would want Change or no change. The sequel to the elections, however, suggests that Uganda is far from the standard of democracy” (Izama par 3). Understanding the past and appreciating the present, a peceful transition of power would be a great idea. The Youth are not a threat but a resource; if utilized objectively their ideas can transform the nation.
The Uganda Presidential Elections 2021
Uganda is a locked country found in East Africa proud for its rich Floral and Fauna natural resources. It houses the source of River Nile, the longest river in the world. Uganda’s politics was founded on the “Democratic Agenda”; however, the test of time has unveiled the reverse. From the autocratic Leader Major General Idi Amin Dada, Ugandans have undergone series of war terror. For that reason, most Ugandans would prefer a peaceful transition of power. According to Jung, quoted by Alma, “traumatic experiences (from relationships, war, and apartheid) called complexes, are grouped in the personal subconscious mind,” (315). The effect of these complexes make people accommodate uncomfortable situations for the sake of peace. When people tolerate oppression at the expense of their freedom, the people in power call it “good governance”. On 2/7/1981 a guerilla war was launched under the leadership of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. It came after the leadership in government alleged that Obote II rigged his way back to power. Since the dominant people then (the Baganda) were not in good terms with the incumbent (President Milton Obote), they quickly supported the opposition with hope that it will bring peace to the country. A civil war of over five years (1981-1986) left Ugandans in a complex situation.
People were yearning to go back to their homes, have productive lives and develop their country. Patience reports, “on 26 January 1986, with Mr. Museveni’s National Resistance Army liberating the country, brought an end to wars and senseless killings.” She further explains, “It is this image of the man as liberator and peace-bringer that many Ugandans have been raised on and are reminded of at every opportunity”. However, a goal achieved cannot be a motivation for long. It is difficult to conceptualize the current situation without understanding how we got here. The Ugandan population was growing, the economy became demanding, the youth looking for opportunities and would like to be included in the opinionated decisions of their country. The demand for democracy was inevitable, they wanted the power to be given back to the people. A government system with multiple political parties was voted for. The National Resistance Army (NRA) in power which later became the National Resistance Movement (NRM) political party.
After noticing the injustices, corruption, and the imbalances in sharing the “National Cake”, Dr Kiza Besigye who was Museveni’s Personal doctor during the bush war, instituted the Forum for Democratic Party (FDC) political party (Anna,8-12). It was the major challenger for NRM for 5 years. Dr Besigye led several demonstrations such as “Walk to Work” to show his dissatisfaction with the ruling government. On many occasions he was arrested together with his supporters. He stood for presidency in 2001, 2006 and 2011. It is alleged that he won the incumbent (President Museveni) in 2006 elections however, the results showed that President Museveni got 59.26% and Dr Kiza Besigye got 37.39% of the total votes. During the elections, voters were intimidated. Internet was switched off all over the country. Dr Kiiza Besigye narrates to an interview with Angus, “Violence was the mainstay of the campaign period”. “Starting with 2001, they deployed troops to patrol all areas around polling centers.” “Passing the message to people that if you voted for me, war would break out.” (par 6). The constitution was amended to remove presidential age and term limits.
Citizens were discontented; the country was full of challenges. Nicole writes, “President Museveni was once more declared the winner in a contest whose process and outcome the opposition did not accept” (12). Corruption in all sectors, some youths are jobless irrespective of their academic status, the rich are too rich, and the poor are extremely poor. The natural resources are ruined, people are building in wetlands, the judiciary and the media are not spared either, senseless killings of people. Sjögren, states “An opposition candidate, this time former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, went to court with a petition; yet again, the petition was to no avail” (The seemingly “growing economy” is a shadow economy benefiting a few members. “Given the complementary relationship between corruption and the size of the shadow economy, addressing widespread informality in the country would require; first, reforming the political system to tackle political corruption and go after politicians who use their influence and power to circumvent institutions” (Stephen,3). All that makes the mainly youthful population want to have a change of leadership. In 2021 there raised a young man, Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, raised from a ghetto (meaning slums) of Kampala, a musician, and member of Parliament of his constituency. Kyagulanyi is also known as Bobi Wine (his name from the music Industry). His goal was to change the face of Uganda, give leadership back to people and fight corruption, a goal not yet achieved. Kyagulanyi together with other contestants stood for presidency against the incumbent (President Museveni) in 2021.
Campaigns for presidency did not go smoothly. People were killed during the riots; the capital city was shut down. Internet was again switched off. The climax was when Kyagulanyi was arrested and there were riots throughout the country. Reported by David et al, “Mr Wine has been shot at, beaten and thrown in jail more times than he can recall” (Par 2). I had gone shopping in Mukono town, and I landed in this horrible turmoil. The army was fighting the youth as they pulled down President Museveni’s posters. Tear gas and gunshots everywhere. It was not a good experience. People were killed and others disappeared mysteriously, some have not been found to date. Reported in the Independent News Paper “Geoffrey Ssegamwenge has a brother John Bosco Kibalama was picked on June 3 of 2019. Up to now, they have not heard from him” (Par 9).
I love my country; I love my home, but it is no longer safe. You cannot predict where death will come. Powerful people are mysteriously gunned down by unknown people. Anyone who speaks against the government dies. Who kills them? We have no idea; Police has never given the report of the course of their death, (BBC News). It is difficult to find employment in the country, certain job positions belong to a particular tribe. If there was a way we could get a peaceful transition of power, maybe we would have new ideas on how to improve our economy. The roads in Uganda are horrible, people are demonstrating to notify the government, reported by BBC. The taxes are escalated, but that would not be an issue if they were utilized rightfully. Ther is no medicine in hospitals, the health sector is wanting (Pariyo, et all, 5-10). Primary Health care is a challenge. With better governance, a lot can be improved. Threatening and killing people is not the solution. “Their soldiering is smarter today, but their only politics is that of terror” (Anonymous Par 4). I would like to see a change of systems, but it is not achievable while using the same old machines, we need to upgrade. It is not done until it is done, the struggle for peace and equity of resources continues.
Your Sweat Your Food
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is the ruling political party in Uganda led by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa since the 1986. NRM was not a political party but rather a movement towards democratizing Uganda. The demand for political equity from government opposition compelled it to transition into a political party to demonstrate freedom of representation. The National Resistance Movement claims to restore political stability, security, law and order, constitutionalism, and the rule of law to Uganda. This is its fundamental statement that it uses to remind citizens of its importance to Uganda, time and again. Museveni, leader of NRM Party believes he is indispensable for Uganda’s stability and prosperity, especially in a country devastated by bad leadership in earlier post-independence decades. Museveni and his close allies are fearful of being prosecuted under a new president for alleged wrongdoings (Tangri et al,1-4). For those reasons they cannot freely hand over power that was banditry achieved. The slogan “No Change” is often chanted during the presidential elections where NRM party has had candidature. Tangri and Mwenda comment, “President Museveni is determined to retain power because of his exaggerated sense of having liberated Ugandans from bad governance”, (4). According to Museveni, it does not make sense for young people who did not participate in Uganda’s liberation can claim power. He was quoted in early 2008 when asked about stepping down: “It’s me who hunted and after killing the animal, they want me to go, where should I go?”
Is Patriotism a Reality?
During the 2006 presidential campaign, Museveni, “You don’t just tell the freedom fighter to go like you are chasing a chicken thief out of the house.”. Since 2006, Museveni has continued to declare that he will not be forced out of power. “I am not going anywhere,” the press reported him saying in 2008. (Tangri, 6). I applause Museveni, he knows his worth and he will continue to fight for it however, if the vision he claims to have for Uganda ais not passed on, it will go with him. Everything has an end; we do not want our legacy to vanish with us. Good leadership would pass it on, see the fruit of your effort while still alive. Examples of Nelson Mandella from South Africa, Kenya Presidential elections, Muluzi in Malawi, and other African leaders that peacefully allowed political succession through a ballot box. The challenge with many nationalist leaders, they see themselves as unique liberators of their people who deserve unlimited tenure to rule their newly independent countries (Tangri and Mwenda ,2). If other countries can do it, I believe Uganda too can without going back to war. Nothing good comes with fighting apart from the blood shed of innocent people. From ancient civilizations to modern nations, the quest for power and control has driven individuals and nations to engage in secretive and manipulative tactics (Andriel,4). Through the lens of history, we can better understand the strategies employed by the key players and the consequences of their actions and avoid bloody battles and political upheaval. A political space where democracy is masked and there is no freedom of expression is nothing but oppression. Good governance is where the State listens to its citizens and works towards their wellbeing. Political monarchy distorts the achieved good.
Works Cited
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