RESTRICTED MEMBERSHIP TO POLITICAL PARTIES: A CAMPAIGN STRATEGY

It is fair to say that Uganda has made considerable advances in democracy over the last thirteen years slowly, but surely. It had taken a lot of political pressure from then Uganda people's Congress (UPC)'s Cecilia Ogwal and the Rwanyarare group before Milton Obote ate his own child -the UPC achievements. The trend in UPC has notably been that of either eating its own children or abusing them.

The pressure group, in later years, was joined by Democratic Party (DP) led by Paul Ssemwogere after eating enough from the ruling National Resistance Army/Movement (NRM/A).

We now have so many political parties ranging from originals or historicals, the outspoken, and the non-government organization-like ones -most of which are so insignificant. Thanks to UPC, who like Jesus Christ -courageously made a way for others and registered so many converts, much as they are not directly under its leadership.

In one of the violent crashes with police, similar to Forum for Democratic change (FDC) and Magara fuss in Mengo, a UPC youth was killed. Actually now we clearly see FDC, this time round, not just leading the forum, but the front for political change.

That is how costly it has been before giving some sort breathing space for opposition political parties. Along with donor pressure the chains where removed off the feet, but tightly retained those around the arms.

However, intelligent government approaches keeps it going without much political threats. Absolute breathing space is only a preserve of the ruling party, which enables it to shrive with no much political pressure. Much, though, we have to appreciate the fact that political parties help keep government awake.

The current opposition political parties have a condition that limits their activities more to the headquarters, where some journalists are called upon to witness on behalf of the nation.
Beyond such a condition, permission must be sought, which of course often works to the disadvantage of the opposition political parties. Perhaps permitted rallies would be the kind organized in the bushes, where people do not live.

But not only did they deal with local opposition political parties and armed rebellions successfully, but also their intellectual opponents -including mainly M. Mamdani, the likes of A. Nsibambi and T. Kabwegere.

Their writings, presentations and vibrant talks at famous debating theatre (makerere University), then, was either replaced with friendship between them and the system or dead men's silence.

But like the famous big snake of the biblical Moses, president Museveni ate them up. Only a few like Mamdani and O. Afinaduula escaped the python as biblical Daniel did by refusing to vow, though we should expect the last kicks of a dying horse from them.

Perhaps some presidents, “not shrewd enough” could give opposition political parties their full political rights -especially the one to assemble; from the word go, as soon as it is demanded.

They well know that such a demand, if not checked could arouse mass participation, mass action in favor of the opposition capturing power, to overwhelm the ruling party; so threatening that it could cause serious instabilities within government and out of it.

Whether for the good or for the worse, advocates of political rights would be constantly perceived as “jokers,” and any action by them stopped as “nonsense that should not derail development.”

Amidst such strong political winds, as UPC's early encounters with government that could have been strongest if Kizza Besigye and others had come around that time, then kony rebellion taking its toll on the people of northern Uganda, the cattle rustling in Karamoja too, military defections on the other hand; but assuringly, the fellows were able to cause order and calm patiently, yet decisively.

Currently, if the machinery is still at its best as usually seen to be, observers will be waiting to see how well they handle the pressure from Besigye and Mengo. Them, combined, reminds us of Kabaka Yekka (KY) and UPC and the precipitating events.

At times, hieghtened conflicts called for notorious action leading to direct killings, without trial, for the sake of calling the “offensive group to order”. Having gone all through that, they now feel very confident that no one can bring fujjo and as more difficult than ever to do so.

So, if they talk of a dynasty, probably some people would agree, given above background, while those on the power high-table could think and feel the heaven as actually on earth, not elsewhere. Maybe yes, but best if president Museveni undergoes ecdysis to live the years that constitute a dynasty.

Very intelligently, he lets out one dog at the time -usually a card played to invoke massive election support. We now hear that local council chairmen and women will be paid some form of salaries soon, which alone can sufficiently retain considerable amount of support nationally -regardless of Besigye and Mutebi intentions. What a genius! Possibly, yes.

Against all odds, if this worked, rationally, he would deserve another doctorate. Having done that, then, he could, set up a university to take on his political science philosophies to the next generations, and to nurture young unstable governments in Africa. Perhaps, Kyankwanzi school could be the foundation.

Even within themselves, they do struggle and fight intelligently. They have either eaten up runaway comrades or let some others go -especially after legally sterilizing them so well career-wise or business-wise that they will never be that harmful to affect any election outcome. The so-called politically damaging former allies are not really so, but rather manageable.

These fellows are true managers, not just leaders; they can effectively, efficiently and decisively deal with challenges of the day, successfully. When such challenges are perceived as politically threatening, they will always be swift to act, accordingly. Look at how they handle elections; mindless of the approach. To them, approach is never an issue; but a favorable election result. The balance to that will be left for scholars.

When they realized that allowing secret ballot in parliament would affect decision-making -especially given a possibility that some of their “trusted” members of parliament could vote the opposite or undesired side, had it scrapped. Having done that, they would feel confident and in control of their political destiny.

The ruling political party could be assured of victory in parliament whether in nation's interest or not. And what could the allied members of parliament do besides following the hand that fed them? The ruling party succeeded when choice was made more of a public matter than secret ballot, which too worked under the direct influence of the genius.

After realizing there was no law to make it part of the system, also, finds it a genius-man's idea to have political choices public by law. He and others are now proposing to make it illegal for anyone standing outside party setting -realizing that it would weaken the system. Instead, they agree to have all the support go to one anointed party-candidate and, as a slogan or party principle. Indeed, that augurs well in favor for a strong political party.

If that happened, the outcome will be another complicated issue; how well it goes, is the question. But, noticeably, it would infringe on individual rights. Political party principles may stand in motion a little longer, but not person's opinions about nation's political outlook and development strategy, more so when he or she feels oppressed and when there never debate or voter consultation on contentious issues.

There must be a time when the political party principles will fade and mean nothing to its members. If not adjusted to fit the changing political times, as soon as possible, it could be disastrous to continue working under them. There are already evident stories of that -in UPC and the democratic party (DP) -each having the progressives and conservatives combined. Isn't that suicide?

Usually people, who commit suicide never come back to life. Maybe there is still hope for affected political parties. Funny enough, when some are asked to join a coalition, they feel proud on no understable ground. In addition, they fight and eat their own children -the supporters and achievements. Isn't that political psychosis?

With promotion of party-choice representation as what is lawful, it could side-by-side come along with political fraud, political malice, and the unfit coming to the fore at the expense of the politically-fit; a scenario where Darwin's theory of survival for the fittest will not be measured on the basis of intellect, but by power or combined radiating from one solid angle. When asked by journalists to comment on the outcomes of national executive committee elections, Otafire was too brief to say, “intrigue.”

That is a case of confusions that occur at political party primaries and at political parties national executive committee elections, the back-door phenomena -not using the main door to gain one's political position, or a Mafia-style phenomenon -where someone drops down from the roof to gain a political position with the majority's surprise of how that happens. Mafiasm as many call it will be the order. Maybe it might be interesting for us to see so we can have a moment to prove it.

Voters at either parties' electoral college or universal suffrage, will be forced to select a unworthy person for a political appointment, just because of mafias' actions. If anyone had someone in mind -as felt never to qualify for high office on the basis of corruption, the assurance guaranteed will be that the new proposal will defeat the moralists' plans.

If the machinery instructs its supporters to heed, then, they will. Remember that so many rewards would follow from election wins, where wins are usually a must or expected. If, for example, one does not eat pork, he will be forced to. It will be a time when one's wishes and/or beliefs did not mean anything: to who?

Also, not forgetting to mention that generating fear of losing jobs would be a weapon of the day -guarded by a legislation to determine political choices. Who will want to be seen opting for a different choice from that required by law.

Unless one did not vote so that the mobilized ones make the party's anointed one go through unopposed on his or her behalf, there will be pressure to heed. It can be painfully conflicting with one's conscience, especially given the dynamic nature of human beings. The question remains: for how long will the proposed law-supported repression stand, and what cost?


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


















It is fair to say that Uganda has made considerable advances in democracy over the last thirteen years slowly, but surely. It had taken a lot of political pressure from then Uganda people's Congress (UPC)'s Cecilia Ogwal and the Rwanyarare group before Milton Obote ate his own child -the UPC achievements. The trend in UPC has notably been that of either eating its own children or abusing them.

The pressure group, in later years, was joined by Democratic Party (DP) led by Paul Ssemwogere after eating enough from the ruling National Resistance Army/Movement (NRM/A).

We now have so many political parties ranging from originals or historicals, the outspoken, and the non-government organization-like ones -most of which are so insignificant. Thanks to UPC, who like Jesus Christ -courageously made a way for others and registered so many converts, much as they are not directly under its leadership.

In one of the violent crashes with police, similar to Forum for Democratic change (FDC) and Magara fuss in Mengo, a UPC youth was killed. Actually now we clearly see FDC, this time round, not just leading the forum, but the front for political change.

That is how costly it has been before giving some sort breathing space for opposition political parties. Along with donor pressure the chains where removed off the feet, but tightly retained those around the arms.

However, intelligent government approaches keeps it going without much political threats. Absolute breathing space is only a preserve of the ruling party, which enables it to shrive with no much political pressure. Much, though, we have to appreciate the fact that political parties help keep government awake.

The current opposition political parties have a condition that limits their activities more to the headquarters, where some journalists are called upon to witness on behalf of the nation.
Beyond such a condition, permission must be sought, which of course often works to the disadvantage of the opposition political parties. Perhaps permitted rallies would be the kind organized in the bushes, where people do not live.

But not only did they deal with local opposition political parties and armed rebellions successfully, but also their intellectual opponents -including mainly M. Mamdani, the likes of A. Nsibambi and T. Kabwegere.

Their writings, presentations and vibrant talks at famous debating theatre (makerere University), then, was either replaced with friendship between them and the system or dead men's silence.

But like the famous big snake of the biblical Moses, president Museveni ate them up. Only a few like Mamdani and O. Afinaduula escaped the python as biblical Daniel did by refusing to vow, though we should expect the last kicks of a dying horse from them.

Perhaps some presidents, “not shrewd enough” could give opposition political parties their full political rights -especially the one to assemble; from the word go, as soon as it is demanded.

They well know that such a demand, if not checked could arouse mass participation, mass action in favor of the opposition capturing power, to overwhelm the ruling party; so threatening that it could cause serious instabilities within government and out of it.

Whether for the good or for the worse, advocates of political rights would be constantly perceived as “jokers,” and any action by them stopped as “nonsense that should not derail development.”

Amidst such strong political winds, as UPC's early encounters with government that could have been strongest if Kizza Besigye and others had come around that time, then kony rebellion taking its toll on the people of northern Uganda, the cattle rustling in Karamoja too, military defections on the other hand; but assuringly, the fellows were able to cause order and calm patiently, yet decisively.

Currently, if the machinery is still at its best as usually seen to be, observers will be waiting to see how well they handle the pressure from Besigye and Mengo. Them, combined, reminds us of Kabaka Yekka (KY) and UPC and the precipitating events.

At times, hieghtened conflicts called for notorious action leading to direct killings, without trial, for the sake of calling the “offensive group to order”. Having gone all through that, they now feel very confident that no one can bring fujjo and as more difficult than ever to do so.

So, if they talk of a dynasty, probably some people would agree, given above background, while those on the power high-table could think and feel the heaven as actually on earth, not elsewhere. Maybe yes, but best if president Museveni undergoes ecdysis to live the years that constitute a dynasty.

Very intelligently, he lets out one dog at the time -usually a card played to invoke massive election support. We now hear that local council chairmen and women will be paid some form of salaries soon, which alone can sufficiently retain considerable amount of support nationally -regardless of Besigye and Mutebi intentions. What a genius! Possibly, yes.

Against all odds, if this worked, rationally, he would deserve another doctorate. Having done that, then, he could, set up a university to take on his political science philosophies to the next generations, and to nurture young unstable governments in Africa. Perhaps, Kyankwanzi school could be the foundation.

Even within themselves, they do struggle and fight intelligently. They have either eaten up runaway comrades or let some others go -especially after legally sterilizing them so well career-wise or business-wise that they will never be that harmful to affect any election outcome. The so-called politically damaging former allies are not really so, but rather manageable.

These fellows are true managers, not just leaders; they can effectively, efficiently and decisively deal with challenges of the day, successfully. When such challenges are perceived as politically threatening, they will always be swift to act, accordingly. Look at how they handle elections; mindless of the approach. To them, approach is never an issue; but a favorable election result. The balance to that will be left for scholars.

When they realized that allowing secret ballot in parliament would affect decision-making -especially given a possibility that some of their “trusted” members of parliament could vote the opposite or undesired side, had it scrapped. Having done that, they would feel confident and in control of their political destiny.

The ruling political party could be assured of victory in parliament whether in nation's interest or not. And what could the allied members of parliament do besides following the hand that fed them? The ruling party succeeded when choice was made more of a public matter than secret ballot, which too worked under the direct influence of the genius.

After realizing there was no law to make it part of the system, also, finds it a genius-man's idea to have political choices public by law. He and others are now proposing to make it illegal for anyone standing outside party setting -realizing that it would weaken the system. Instead, they agree to have all the support go to one anointed party-candidate and, as a slogan or party principle. Indeed, that augurs well in favor for a strong political party.

If that happened, the outcome will be another complicated issue; how well it goes, is the question. But, noticeably, it would infringe on individual rights. Political party principles may stand in motion a little longer, but not person's opinions about nation's political outlook and development strategy, more so when he or she feels oppressed and when there never debate or voter consultation on contentious issues.

There must be a time when the political party principles will fade and mean nothing to its members. If not adjusted to fit the changing political times, as soon as possible, it could be disastrous to continue working under them. There are already evident stories of that -in UPC and the democratic party (DP) -each having the progressives and conservatives combined. Isn't that suicide?

Usually people, who commit suicide never come back to life. Maybe there is still hope for affected political parties. Funny enough, when some are asked to join a coalition, they feel proud on no understable ground. In addition, they fight and eat their own children -the supporters and achievements. Isn't that political psychosis?

With promotion of party-choice representation as what is lawful, it could side-by-side come along with political fraud, political malice, and the unfit coming to the fore at the expense of the politically-fit; a scenario where Darwin's theory of survival for the fittest will not be measured on the basis of intellect, but by power or combined radiating from one solid angle. When asked by journalists to comment on the outcomes of national executive committee elections, Otafire was too brief to say, “intrigue.”

That is a case of confusions that occur at political party primaries and at political parties national executive committee elections, the back-door phenomena -not using the main door to gain one's political position, or a Mafia-style phenomenon -where someone drops down from the roof to gain a political position with the majority's surprise of how that happens. Mafiasm as many call it will be the order. Maybe it might be interesting for us to see so we can have a moment to prove it.

Voters at either parties' electoral college or universal suffrage, will be forced to select a unworthy person for a political appointment, just because of mafias' actions. If anyone had someone in mind -as felt never to qualify for high office on the basis of corruption, the assurance guaranteed will be that the new proposal will defeat the moralists' plans.

If the machinery instructs its supporters to heed, then, they will. Remember that so many rewards would follow from election wins, where wins are usually a must or expected. If, for example, one does not eat pork, he will be forced to. It will be a time when one's wishes and/or beliefs did not mean anything: to who?

Also, not forgetting to mention that generating fear of losing jobs would be a weapon of the day -guarded by a legislation to determine political choices. Who will want to be seen opting for a different choice from that required by law.

Unless one did not vote so that the mobilized ones make the party's anointed one go through unopposed on his or her behalf, there will be pressure to heed. It can be painfully conflicting with one's conscience, especially given the dynamic nature of human beings. The question remains: for how long will the proposed law-supported repression stand, and what cost?


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