A wise man once said that we are all political beings! I am beginning to believe this. I have learnt to detach myself from the politics of this land because to get involved can be emotionally exhausting and traumatizing to say the least. Uganda is a small landlocked country in East Africa very rich in natural resources, well endowed with beauty, has very forgiving citizens who like me have learnt to be nonchalant political beings.
We have heard one president for the last 31 years and as matters are progressing, he is soon to impose himself on us as a life President. Uganda has suffered at the hands of dictators and guerilla fighters. in fact, the current president prides himself in having “liberated” us and as such is the only man with a “vision”.
The political temperature has been tense with the anticipation on whether the motion to remove the age limit will be tabled! A brief background for non-Ugandan readers. our Parliament has a history of amending the constitution to satisfy the powers that be, allegations of bribery and corruption are rife.
We had a very good constitution, a bunch of pretty smart guys who made up the Constitutional Assembly, drafted our Constitution, this they did after extensive research and consultation with all stake holders. amendments were made here and there and finally with all the stake holders satisfied, these delegates went and came up with our constitution. We all applauded the whole nation, let out a sigh of relief. Finally, we had a constitution to govern us, we could check the powers of our leaders, no one was above the law! Our mighty constitution would guide us, it was supreme and would aid in returning sanity to our nation. We jubilated, politicians swore to protect it, promised to safe guard it, we went ahead and elected our Members of Parliament and the whole hierarchy of the political system! As the years kept passing by, the quality of Parliamentarians kept lowering. whoever welded more might and power got into parliament, we did not care for integrity anymore! We now have a parliament with members who have bought their way into the August house, their education is questionable due to the lengthy and expensive campaign period. most of the Parliamentarians are heavily indebted by the time they begin serving. Usually their first amendments are to do with increasing their salaries, exempting themselves from paying taxes, hiking the moneys for their vehicles.
Once they satisfy their greed, then to satisfy their master hence the amendments to aid him consolidate himself in power begin. Thee amendments are well planned and well thought out, our constitution had a term limit, a president was to contest for maximum of 2-5year terms and go rest so we can have a new face, this was lifted so now the guy can contest for as long as he wishes! And then we did have an age limit. after 75, Mr. President was believed to be ripe for retirement, go home, run around with grandchildren, take up a hobby of knitting, commune with fellow elders, but oh No, this too had to be removed. its basically a holy marriage where divorce is not an option. Usually before these bills are tabled, there are rumours of money exchanging hands, night meetings, then security is beefed up, then the fights and riots begin and then finally the government in power gets its way.
We have watched in horror as blows are exchanged on the floor of Parliament, Mp’s dragged out by security operatives and taken to unknown locations, others suspended.
