Elections In Uganda: Is Change Possible?

By Jacob Waiswa Buganga

It is election season in Uganda and other parts of the World.

It is time for prospective leaders to contest for power to serve citizens and experience 'successful' careers in politics.

Ms. Nancy Linda Kalembe - a Presidential Aspirant in Uganda,

There is one issue for sure that prospective leaders never mention: the fierce search for jobs and survival, or at least be recognised and open new opportunities for future appointments. They are like any other citizens who chose different avenues to find sources of livelihood.

Service to one's country has been most noble since the introduction of formal democracy around the World. However, it has had a sharp twist in recent years, when individual ambition to exercise power before others has proven stronger aspiration than the real desire serve and change lives of fellow citizens. The rhetoric is citizens' concern, yet in practice, concerns about the self matters most.

https://youtu.be/WG-IQXQ7_4s

Museveni (above) at one of the international press interviews revealed the truth about what and for whom he really stood for since coming to power in 1986

His statement on being a servant of his children and grand children only did not affect support he had and still enjoys, because of vested interests supporters have in his rule, as protection of business interests and enjoyment of favours in case of any threat to such interests.

While everyone has a duty to determine a leader of his or her choice, over time, those in power have restricted citizens' efforts to decide who that person should be, and even influenced decisions against national values. This has not gone on without opposition. The question though is: how effectively organised, knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced are they? Even with the experience they have, have they learned anything, or are simply time-wasters?

Patrick Oboi Amuriat -the president of leading opposition political party, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)

Despite the limited success at changing leadership, very costly elections are organised every 5 and exhausted voters asked to actively participate. It is costly in terms financial resources spent, lives maimed or lost, and further deterioration of the quality of life of citizens. But, then, it goes on and on.

If loss of lives is the cost for a successful election contest, of what relevancy is such an election, when millions continue to live in poverty and social services are limited in quality and access? An election should be one, not a game or joke as it has proven to be in recent years. In fact, lowly voices argue that, other than run costly and unproductive elections, it is best for those in power to invest in social services and improve citizens' quality of lives. A section of the opposition, noteable People Power/ NUP believe that any earlier efforts by the opposition was comedy, and at no time would Museveni stay in power, even after rigging elections. However, experience has so far indicated that they never live by their word and cannot be trusted. Often, NUP leader was seen escaping arrest or confrontation with security personnel, while below they can be seen without berrets or red tops, which they vowed to wear as long as they existed.

People Power / NUP Party spokesman shortly after confrontation by security security forces.

People Power / NUP leader in red tie after going through a test of his own courtesy of security forces

While, again, everyone may have the power to influence leadership, much of what can be seen indicate practices like vote-buying and selling, supporting incumbent to guarantee security of one's property and business dealings, voting based on perceived chances of candidate winning elections, and culture of election-rigging that ensures preservation of the statusquo.

Nevertheless, election time still provides an opportunity to turn despair into fortune, to turn hopelessness into hope, to reawaken veteran voters to play active role in elections, to organise effectively and massively towards ultimate victory, and to strategically defend people's victory with the best mechanism to successfully deter alteration of voter numbers. If any such actions are impossible for the opposition, in their respective formations, then it is better to save one's effort and those of the people, time and resources, or even avoid risks to live through destruction of livelihoods, injury or death.

As interested citizens surge to contest for leadership, voters must seek for accountability from, first; the incumbents, much of which is lived experiences; second, assess individual personality and values of political parties in relation to aspirations as masses, and probe their knowledge, skills, experiences in leadership, and abilities shown in solving past challenges. He or she should not be a leader who says one thing and does another, or one who is renowned for self-talk, self-gratification, or whose message does not make sense, and are impractical, whose talk is usual noise and meaningless.

Leadership of a country should not be about ability to excite people and shift moods from one end to another. It should be about having knowledge of the country's policies and policy gaps, from which to build from planned actions.

It should be about understanding the real needs of the population and drawing interventions to address them in the order of priorities, and on record time.

Amb. Irene Wekiya, former NRC Jinja City and integrity of Parliament.

It should be about strongest desire to serve others rather than protect own interests as leader, or business interests of the individual. He or she should be a leader for all and have a national outlook, without regards to where he or she comes from.

It should be about ability to explain his or her vision and articurate clearly the very needs of the population, describe with accuracy and in a replicable and comprehensive manner how such needs will be translated into tangible goods and services, envisioned, and in a reasonable time, like within a year rather than 10 or 30 years.

It should be about a leader, who will render current generation of youths productive rather than let them expire intelletually and physically, or even face extinction without any known contribution to the country or themselves. These youths should able to leave a legacy behind for newer generations to inspired-to-aspire, as Prof. Amb. Badru Kateregga loved to say during his very arousing and memorable lectures.

Wanzala Richard has been champion of youth causes since 2004.

It should be about a leadership that can make use of existing manpower to contribute towards the economy without undermining the integrity of the natural environment, and ensure sustainable livelihoods of families.

This leadership should guarantee families effective means to secure decent shelter, nutrious for healthy development of children, decent income, quality healthcare, and quality education for their children. There is no best guarantees for sustainable security and peace for all, including reigning leader and his expendables, as securing quality services for sustainable livelihoods and wellbeing of citizens that no weapons of mass destruction can guarantee. Instead, they are rendered dormant and non-essential, or unjustifiable to dwell on as the basis of security.

It should be about leaders, who respect life and work towards nurturing it. Otherwise, how can a fox be the shepherd or even part of the sheep? It should be elsewhere.

It should be about leaders, who have strong foresight, enough to undo impending danger, prepare in advance for undesirable scenes with high-degree risk management strategy in pursuit of ultimate goals, and put in place systems and mechanisms for safety of his or her people, including ensuring confidentiality of information sources, or one that could endanger anyone in their political parties, against the increasing uncompromising, insensitive, robotic, and reckless security agencies.

They should exercise high-degree intelligence and awareness of the dangers at-hand posed by the incumbent, enough to win confidence of citizens and faith that change is possible, while pursuing leadership and a country for all to be proud of as citizens, where future of all citizens lay and disinterested in facing racism and xenophobia in other countries, with leaders who value lives of their people and work tirelessly and meaningfully towards prosperity for all.

Jacob Waiswa Buganga at an International Event

The author is a peace psychologist and founder of IMI-BMA

What Can Uganda Learn from Ghana’s Oil Experience?

Jacob Waiswa 

Peace Center,

Makerere University 

Introduction 

Oil is one of the most precious minerals in the world today alongside gold and diamond. The wealthiest nations in the world today are dependent on it. There are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Iran, United States, Canada, Great Britain and Russia. And in Africa there are Nigeria, Congo Brazzaville, Libya, Chad, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and, of course, Ghana. As usually the case in Africa, Ghana’s oil reserves were discovered in 2007 to become the nation’s multibillion dollar industry –producing over 200, 000 barrels of oil everyday. 

Experts refer to Ghana’s oil and gas discovery the largest on the continent in the last decade. Uganda is a new entrant on the oil production scene. Formal reports about the existence of oil were made known to the world in 2011. That caused anxiety among the mainly middle- class whether its discovery will be a curse or blessing whilst citing naughty examples around the world like the Nigeria Crisis and foreign interventions in the Arab Peninsula. 

 Ghana's Experience

 It is interesting to note that Ghana did not have such conditions as anxiety over the discovery of oil in 2007. Luckily for it, it has got a smaller and well-informed population who had information about oil experiences both in Africa and Europe. Nigeria provided the most immediate experiences to it. Ghana provided foreign firms and their governments most business friendly environment reinforced by well-practiced and respected democratic principles. It is in Ghana’s interest and will power to pursue experiences of successful countries like Norway.

Ghana practices high level of transparency in all its business dealings. Decisions are based on contributions of expert knowledge and experience by stakeholders, who are accounted to each other. Those are the ministry of energy and oil agencies like Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC), Ghana Petroleum Commission (GPC), Ghana Investment Promotion (GIP), Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA) and Ghana Gas Company (GGC). 

The nation’s experts, universities and research institutions in the field of oil production and economics add to existing bank of knowledge, and do have and enjoy the platform to convey it. Ghana is open to expert criticism and challenge to its policies. The media reinforces the search for accountability through amassing interest to report on oil concerns and offering a platform for government and stakeholders to report their annual returns. 

Despite involvement of foreign firms in the oil industry Ghana was shrewd enough to raise its shareholder percentage above 50. It was a strategy aimed at ensuring socio-economic security of its people against the always exploitative foreign firms. Realizing the background of their economy is Agriculture, Ghana was not swayed away from it by oil wealth. They remained committed to Agriculture. In fact, 60% percent of the oil revenue is allocated to the agriculture sector. For Ghana, stability and democracy are relished.

Ghana’s revenue is for the good of its people and it ensures equity while meeting citizens’ needs. The people of Ghana are very enthusiastic and cannot easily be taken for granted; they are empowered enough to demand for and equal share of the country’s wealth. Trade unions are a recipe to the already conducive trade and working environment. They forge a healthy working relationship with firms dealing in oil and together maintain good income levels of workers in the industry. Contracts made between government and oil firms and policies that follow are constantly scrutinized to ensure their projected outcome. 

 Lessons for Uganda 

From Ghana’s oil experience Uganda learns to involve stakeholders in the debate on the oil subject and take outcomes seriously, to invest in trade diplomacy and experiential learning from successful oil producing countries, ensure sustainable peace for oil economy to thrive through the values of democracy (transparency and accountability), encourage a vibrant civil society and societies of trade unions, scrutinize firms intending to invest in the sector to ensure their viability, mind the welfare of people through environment protection, encourage oil research and studentship, and maintain a larger share capital in oil firms as a buffer against foreign business exploitation.

Conclusion 

The debate on the oil sector is normal and must be encouraged to compel parties in the oil sector to account for every transaction done, which in a long run reduces unnecessary anxieties and smoke fumes for war. A foundation based on democracy in oil governance will potentially turn the discovery of oil in Uganda a blessing.

THE MERITS AND DEMERITS OF INDIGENOUS CONFLICT RESOLUTIONS MECHANISM: A CASE OF THE BASOGA'S MEETINGS (OKUTYAAMYA)

Jacob Waiswa
Situation Health Analyst
Dishma-Inc.
P.O. Box 8885,
Kampala-Uganda
Tel. +256392614655/+256752542504
dishma.imhs@gmail.com
www.situationhealthanalysis.blogspot.com

Background
Lusoga is spoken by Ugandans in Eastern Uganda; 50 to 100 miles, east of Kampala. With over 3 million Ugandans –who speak Lusoga, it turns out to be one of the major languages in the country –alongside English, Luganda, and Swahili.

Different authors put it second to Buganda in as far as the population size is concerned. Basoga speaking people are surrounded by Lake Victoria to the west, Lake Kyoga to the north, and Mpologoma River to the East (Wikipedia 2011). 1

The conflict resolution system among the Basoga is one of the most interesting ones that only suffered defeat with the arrival of Europeans in 1870s. They structurally eroded Soga culture to unprecedented levels, let a lone the absence of records on how the Basoga resolved conflicts.

For example; the idea of Kingship was alien –meant to ease colonial administration. Instead, Busoga shrived on clan system –with either limited or no role for chiefs –who were only known for mobilizing people to resist anything alien (Mbbe). That won them a label abemputu from the Baganda (stubborn) (Balunywa, 2009). Okutyaamya (facing a family, village or clan meeting) was the approach used to resolve conflict.

Conflict Resolution at Family Level (O'butagemagana Ku Idhaala Elya'maka)
Conflict resolution (okumalawo o'butagemagana) had its first place in the family. It is also where conflict traits can be examined. It was both the epicenter of conflicts and immediate court to resolve it. Among the Basoga, families were extended type –consisting of father, mother and children, step brothers and sisters –followed closely by grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins.

Conflict Resolution at Children Level (O'butagemagana Ku Idhaala Elya'baana)
Young siblings reported to older ones –in case of conflict between them. Older siblings ensured younger ones behaved in a way that was socially and culturally acceptable. Common troubles among younger siblings were; fighting for objects they used to play with and to show individual or group power between children of different families or parents.

In other words, older children deputized their parents in resolving cases at their level. When boys grew older (16+), they built huts around the homestead –usually to provide protection to their vulnerable sisters and parents.

Children and Gender (Abaana Obowala na Abaleenzi) in Conflict Resolution
Gender element mattered a lot in the care and discipline of siblings. Older male siblings were responsible for the welfare of younger male siblings. The same was for older female siblings towards their younger sisters.

Common at that level were conflicts between step children. Conflict at that level easily got blown up to conflict between older step children and later to one between step mothers. At conflict level between step mothers fathers were the only referral point.

Mothers (Ba'maama)
The power of mothers was insignificant in the family. They were in a similar position as children. They used power of words to cool down situations from going out of hand –and advocated a win-win strategy in conflicts involving children. They preserved children secrets not to come to the attention of the much-feared father (household head).

Household Head (Omukulu Wo’luya)
The household head was highly respected –if not feared –by whoever lived in his homestead of about 30 to 60 people. They handled cases that defeated mothers and those between older children and wives.

Household heads were naturally charged with ensuring discipline in the family –usually consistent with the cultural and social norms. They were known for action, not words. When approached for intervention, or when a given person has failed to heed to instructions from older ones, he simply swung into action to fiercely beat up the wrong doer.

The beating lasted until it elicited a call for forgiveness. Forgiveness was always welcome –to make a new beginning in the relationship between the punisher and punished as well as the wronged and the offender. In case the accused made insults that demeaned the father’s position, extreme of household head’s decision would be to withdraw parenthood.

It was horrible for the accused if that happened. In fact, him-self could not wait until such a decision was reached. He would quickly plead for forgiveness. Rarely could he fail to impart desirable behavior in members of his household. However, household heads tended to generate more of fear than respect.

Aunties and Uncles (Ba'seenga ni Ba'kooja)
Aunties and uncles had respectable positions among the Basoga –regardless of their age. However, their social role began when they were reasonably mature. They were known for being impartial during family conflicts. They overruled father’s position if they felt his decisions were too harsh.

They advocated reconciliation and restoration of family relationships. They were true ‘lawyers’ for the children. Besides, they were approachable, so children often sought counseling on their day-to-day developments. They are still excellent today.

Grand Parents (Ba'daada)
These provided refugee to children who fell out with their parents –or for some reason, no longer had parents. They provided the love similar or at times even more than that of parents –enough for the neglected child to feel at peace –until either he or she was restored with parents or old enough to solve his or her own problems.

Grand parents were so much full of love that they saw no blemish on accused grand children –regardless of any existing truth about children’s behavior. For that reason, they were criticized for being more of spoilers of children than constructors of rightful morals in them.

Clans (Ebikha)
Busoga has over 200 clans. 2 They solved cases regarding incest, land conflicts, and distribution or redistribution of family wealth. Clan meetings constituted the clan head as the chairman, mother of the accused, household head (who refers the case to the clan), his brothers, the elderly and all married people (understood to be responsible members of the community or adults).

Commonest decisions taken were: punishing culprit, to fairly redistribute family wealth, to forgive and guarantee community acceptance of repentant person, and excommunication in very extreme cases.

Clan leaders did not have term limits; the position was a reserve of the wealthy. Clans occupying a given sub region were manned by a county chief (Omukulu we isazza) –a local government or political representative.

Abasweezi (Spiritualists)
The Abachweezi influence in East and Central Africa did not leave stones unturned in Busoga –most especially regarding the concept of God. They gave birth to the Abasweezi movement in Busoga.

They were consulted in case of a dilemma in the community –to elicit explanations about the cause undesirable events. They took with them community members to a sacred place –to invoke spirits for guidance –with the help of songs, drums and sporadic dances.

In the course of time, they possessed one of the dancers –who then revealed vital information or explanation to the community. Through them, a community meeting was able to prove guilt or innocence, to invoke the dead person’s spirit to reveal his wishes (or will), and to explain a community dilemma. Some section of the Basoga used the power of the spirits to cause harm to other community members. Critics say songs sang by the Abasweezi were so obscene.

Conclusion
Indigenous conflict resolution mechanism presented above greatly helped to preserve peace among the Basoga community. However, the approach was eroded by Bunyoro expansionism, Buganda-British imperialism and, now, neocolonialism. The ‘modern’ judicial system today makes no reference to the indigenous one.

To revitalize the indigenous approaches, there is bound to be a conflict –which if resolved to Basoga’s favor, their culture will be redeveloped, their religion reborn, and African solidarity built and strengthened.

PROMOTING A PEOPLE-CENTERED LEADERSHIP...

JINJA WEST MUNICIPALITY ELECTIONS
2011


AN APPEAL FOR FUNDING


PREPARED AND PRESENTED


BY


WAISWA JACOB
MP CANDIDATE FOR JINJA WEST CONSTITUENCY
DISHMA INC.
P.O. BOX 8885
KAMPALA-UGANDA
+256774336277
waiswajacobo@yahoo.co.uk













Introduction

So much had been promised by successive members of parliament like to revitalize Jinja as an industrial hub. But all have ended up being summed up as taking people for a ride to nurse selfish interests.

At no moment whatsoever did the out-going Member of Parliament condemn the acts of social injustice nor mobilize people for development. He simply has been quiet all along. As a result Jinja development has been put before God for his mercy.

Thanks to the forces or influences from outside as government interventions and increased tourism influx. Even with the common sense of the area endowments, at no time did the leader use any media outlet to market the district to global scene.

Whereas it true that no law denies any stand to contest anywhere in Uganda for political positions -as long as he or she is a registered voter there, area attachment by birth and growth matter most at influencing strong solidarity to area development.

I happen to be a son of the land who was born there, grew up there and schooled there. I dearly hold Jinja by my heart –and being part of its political force to oversee development can be a hearty acceptance and honor to take.


Vision
An established yet excellent socio-culture, socio-political and socio-economic image in Jinja

Mission
Unite the people of Jinja in strong solidarity for development -regardless of political affiliations and differences in ideology

Goal
Attain a socio-culture, socio-political and socio-economic development platform on which everyone participates

Approach
Media as a vehicle to global stage and area-marketing
Consultative leadership is basic way to empowering people and forming people-centered decisions through implementation
People participation creates some kind of role to play in development -and own it as theirs to consolidate or even improve
Existing social, political and economic establishments can be brought on board to play key support roles to development
Fighting corruption is basic to cushioning development initiatives
Forming constituency committee (with representatives from each sub-county and office to spearhead research and reporting


Specific Objectives
Strengthen cultural values through existing establishments cultural, educational and religious institutions
Promote consultative approaches to decisions making in the areas that be political, economic or cultural
Promote stakeholder involvement in development like government, other constituencies, media, foreign development partnerships (e.g. Friendly MPs elsewhere or their people) and donors
Strengthen efforts to wipe out corruption in the areas as this is a cancer to development

Some of the Activities
Consultations of stakeholders
Fundraising
Constituency meetings
Registration for political office
Placement of campaign posters
Household visits
On-foot campaigns
Talk shows
Seminars and conferences
Begin pilot projects for development
Sensitization on policy
Debates on constituency conflicting issues
Research on area endowments and development strategies
Journaling and media coverage on important results

Indicators of Success
When all the above activities are running
Reports showing successes of the above
And public opinion indicating success in all the above

How To Monitor and Evaluate
A constituency team consisting of representatives -one from each sub-county shall conduct surveys and report on key socio-political and socio-economic issues
Such (as above) shall focus on challenges and action plans tackles or reviewed every month
An an annual development report shall be compiles for reporting on a set public function officiated by a key government representative

Sources of Funding
Private sources
Friends and well-wishers

What Has Been Covered
Public address system
Considerable good level of stakeholder consultations
Booked two vehicles for hire


What is Still Challenging
Facilitation costs for voter education
Design and printing of posters
Registration as area candidate
Car fuel costs
Facilitation of campaign agents
Hiring truck to carry public address system

Budget Summary

Item Quantity&Cost Unit Cost
Public Address System....................28 days x 200000/- 5600000/-
Stakeholder Consultations...............56 days x 100 x 10000/- 56000000/-
Booked two vehicles........................56 days x 2 x 50000/- 5600000/-
Voter Outreach and Education.........56 days x 100 x 5000/- 28000000/-
Design and Printing Posters............100posters x 6Div x 10000 6000000/-
Nomination Fee...............................1 x 500000/- 500000/-
Car Fuel...........................................56 days x 50000/- 2800000/-
Campaign Agents.............................56 days x 6Div x 10000 6000000/-
Truck hire.................................56 x 50000/- 2800000/-
Total Estimated Cost.......................................................................112500000/-

NB: Where 1 dollar = 2000 Uganda Shilling
Any donation can be channelled to account number 5800857181 (Barclays Bank -Uganda)

ANY CONTRIBUTION IS HIGHLY WELCOME AS WE STRUGGLE TO BUILD A BETTER JINJA AND NATION










THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Internal Political Party Democracy: Is there a Formula?

Towards the end of the year, there were efforts to organize elections in political parties -but it was only FDC and NRM that pronouncedly succeeded. Some political parties fronted leaders -with no record of having been democratically elected. This leaves a question as to whether some “political parties,” today, are functioning as non-government organization or just distracters.

In every electioneering attempt, there has been a challenge of procedure -not being effectively used to bringing in the right people to make a valuable party structures. In some others , money was at the center of influencing voter decision-making, which ended up providing pre-determined outcomes. Architects to such argued that the motive was to save party strength in furthering its ambitions.

In the past ten years, the above challenge inflicted UPC party and culminated into factionalism, gossip clubs, sacking of rebel members, and defections. To this moment, the party has not recovered; its state is worsened by lack of vibrancy and parochialism. DP's challenges did not stop with the youth wingers and the parent party taking parallel paths, events ended with birth of a new party (SDP) led by Michael Mabikke -while other members -as usual -defected to the ruling party (NRM).

After making plans to hold internal elections towards the end of the year (2009), it all came to nothing -with further squabbling among members. Lack of transparency has tended to crop from political parties on its way to the national governance level. It is however important consideration that increased number of Ugandans feel ready to take up political positions -in absence of assurance as to whether their decision is in mutual interest with the nation or just selfishness at play. There are politicians in Uganda -who still call it an investment rather than a sacrifice.

In the nineties, there were opposition party politicians -who took the challenge to face the most fierce president in Uganda post-war era. Through their efforts, they helped create breathing space -politically. The price to them was expulsion from their parties to no more. So one wonders what really Ugandan opposition politicians want -if they can choose to route out their best “fighters” and fail to organise themselves into formidable political parties.

Today -in most of them -one can only listen to the last sound of a dying hen. It is unbelievable seeing self-destruction of these political parties like bottled grasshoppers choosing to cope by eating each other up -a kind of internal party “cannibalism.” Why, then, should they waste their time and that of Ugandans?

Opposition political parties forget that being the face of a political organization takes the high sense of marketability. A political party like UPC chooses to chose a wife to former party president as an inheritance gesture and commemoration act of the late former president Milton Obote.

Senseless of the demonic references to the late president for twenty years, UPC's club of the elderly still thought it was the best decision. Well -it is -as stated before -a constituent or home of the elderly. Was it wise to use the current choice of leadership to promote party interests nationally and internationally? If every Ugandan accessed genuine reports from them, they would find UPC discouraging.

And if it was in the era of coup d'etats and revolutions, they would have been forced out. As if they sensed that, they were very careful at involving the youth: the most visionary, dynamic and activism character. To help revamp the political parties, DP made its contribution by resting a very prominent personality in the name of Kawanga Semwogerere -and it continues to undergo ecdysis.

Other political parties like UPC too will need to start the process by throwing away is nostalgic outlook and coping with the contemporary times -a rebirth that could make it look new or young party. Probably -as part of cleansing -there will be no problem with re-baptizing itself or re-branding; and fighting political corruption should begin from political party roots. It can be called business politics at work. We must note that political party success is about marketability. Besides the issue of term limits, why would one get surprised when Museveni is made face of NRM in spite its huge membership?

Jacob Waiswa
Situation Health Analysis
www.situationhealthanalysis.blogspot.com