Politics is a dirt game, only when we let it be. It is divisive, only if we let it carry away the true human spirit. Over the course of holding successive elections, Uganda’s social fabric stretches, each subsequent time bringing it to near breaking point. We can’t afford risking that experiment, which is why reported high level attempts at dialogue with a view to ease tensions and secure reconciliation must be received with alacrity and optimism.
In focus are moves attributed to Gen. Salim Saleh, backed by President Yoweri Museveni, reaching out to the jailed Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, their erstwhile bushwar comrade, and former Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago (also in jail) with a view to talk over their differences and bring them to a resolution. This news must be celebrated on its own, even before we witness whether the dialogue will happen and if it does, whether it will bear fruit. I am aware of previous attempts to reconcile Besigye with the establishment but which didn’t go well, for various reasons, including egotism and sabotage.
A senior colleague reminded me of efforts by an elders group led by former principal judge, James Ogola, another supported by Deepening Democracy and another by the Citizen Compact. But that was then. Now is now! This is a different time. We are optimistic for different results.
It’s unfortunate that some stakeholders are speaking a wrong language about the proposals for dialogue and peace-building. No need to name names. The “culprits” know themselves. They have expressed themselves on these matters publicly indicating a preference for perpetuating political correctness and personal differences. I don’t know what is wrong with some of our leaders. All the time thinking in terms of divisionism, framed as democratic plurality and freedom of dissent, using coarse and demeaning language while all the while claiming to be oppressed. Isn’t dialogue meant to empower the “oppressed” to present their grievances formally so as to be heard and action taken accordingly? Whoever claims to be oppressed but rejects the idea of roundtable talks is part of the problem of this country. We shall be observing them very closely (We have a database of them).
The proposed dialogue should systematically extend to all political groups with their different claims. Besigye’s situation is the more urgent and needs immediate attention, after which the rest can be brought on board.
Even if it were not Gen. Saleh spearheading the proposed dialogue moves, someone else would have had to come up for the sake of national stability and continuity. We tend to have more trouble pushers than the sane and sober, but we can count on the “few” peacemakers to defeat the bad influences.
Anyway, it doesn’t matter. Let Gen. Saleh lead this round. Others can take on from there. It’s, however, symbolic just a military general is spearheading cooperation and peace-building efforts. A true soldier is not in love with war or violence. It’s only that when ordinary methods do not work, they are always willing to take the ultimate risk.
Uganda is not bargaining for the “ultimate risk”. Therefore, let us embrace, encourage and actively support dialogue as bridge to the future we want to see. Dialogue doesn’t take away plurality or coerce anyone to give up their rights or preferences. It’s about finding common ground within that diversity but also agreeing that whatever we do, certain lines shouldn’t be crossed, either with impunity, intolerance, collusion sense of entitlement or extremism. Whatever our disagreements, Uganda comes first!
A society where there is no interface among contending groups is ripe for social breakdown. The mandate of IPOD and the National Consultative Forum (NCF) should also be strengthened and structured around full time operation and mobilisation around the country. These formal and informal efforts should lead to an entrenched culture of engagement, interaction, cooperation and promotion of unity. If Saleh’s work succeeds, it should be an annual plan, not something coming up as a result of pressure or for convenience to achieve an aim.
Beyond Besigye and Lutale, we have many people, majority being young, who are languishing in detention when their matters could have been resolved easily, except for adamant unwillingness to engage. This is not heroism, it’s betrayal and unseriousness. Ugandans are ever busy in public media platforms discussing anything and everything, but when it comes to things that matter for the collective such as the dialogue in question, you don’t hear or see them pressing it enough. More time is given to violent and dramatic news and spreading news that promotes hatred and violence. There is no way true patriots should look on why such individuals takeover public spaces to spread hatred and incitement. I find it odd that in Uganda we have musicians producing songs that promote violence and bloodshed; songs like “tema ensiingo” (chop the neck) and “peeve” (about hitting people with pavers) but we have none about dialoguing and building consensus.
Even those that compose campaign songs that go viral during elections, unless they make them for monetary benefit purposes, why don’t they come up with catchy tunes promoting sanity after elections, reconciliation and working together for transformation? There are many oddities about our Ugandans but the point here is that dialogue is a must do and must be have the support and goodwill of all who claim to want to be counted as true Ugandans. We must build a country that has a human soul regardless of the pressures around.
The author is a promoter of African Integration and CEO Friends of Media International (FOMI)
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