The political tempo in the country is steadily heating up as we move closer to the 2011 general elections. Political parties have been busy electing and selecting their flag bearers. The observable signs from party primary elections paint a grim picture which may as well be a mirror image of the upcoming national elections. I think as Ugandans we deserve better, and I hope the managers at EC have been closely watching and learning lessons.
The EC recently announced a package of new improvements. The New Vision newspaper issue of Thursday, 19th August 2010 carried a story titled; “EC to Relay Election results instantly” apparently” apparently the Electoral Commission is said to be in the process of procuring computers for this purpose. The same newspaper of Sunday, 22nd August, 2010 carried another story titled “Uganda voters register now online” although it is ‘text only version’ without pictures.
This is somewhat good and welcome news and I take the opportunity to congratulate the Electoral Commission of Uganda on these very useful developments. However, I wish to quickly point out that the above good developments do not provide an end in themselves. They are simply additional ‘drops’ in the operational toolkit of the EC. If utilized honestly and competently they will go a long way to improve the quality of elections in Uganda. Let us not forget that lack of honesty in their implementation can lead into a sophisticated abuse which would water down the very essence for which they are installed. Otherwise the ultimate objective, I think should be about increasing EC’s operational and technical capacity aimed at delivering Free and Fair Elections conducted in transparent manner and in a peaceful environment.
Whereas I appreciate the effort of the EC that has resulted in the above reported improvements, I remain one of those NOT yet optimistic that Ugandans will witness a Free and Fair Election come 2011. I have well founded fear based on various and obvious factors which include; questionable commitment of government, lack of civic education, widespread political corruption and manipulation tendencies, dishonesty of politicians, wholesale and sheer readiness of the public to succumb to manipulation and bribery, unprofessional behavior of security stakeholders but most importantly the consistent failure on part of the EC to function as a truly independent institution. It should be noted that all the above vices have been steadily taking hold, simply because the EC has failed to operate as a truly independent Institution, besides its ineptness and that of government to administer punitive measures at their disposal which would serve as a deterrent of such dishonesty in successive elections.
The trend of events in regard to conduct of elections in Uganda is rather very disturbing, the more we have held elections the more the quality of election has degenerated. As a result the democratization process in Uganda has been getting more corrupted and weaker by the time, instead of maturing and growing stronger. True democracy goes much beyond the simplistic notion of majority versus minority; it is actually about practicing accountability, taking responsibility and candidness. That is why elected leaders in mature democracies would opt to resign from their positions once they are doubted even though they may still enjoy popular support among their constituents.
Ugandans should therefore not be under illusion that elections are automatically headed in the right direction simply because of the hi-tech improvements being installed by the Electoral Commission. The formula is very simple; what is fed in the computer is what will come out. It is obvious that technology will improve efficiency if competently used. There have been long standing allegations that the EC is infiltrated by security operatives in its voter and data processing department who are tasked to serve partisan interests. My sincere hope is that these allegations should never be true because if they ever turn out to be true the consequences are simply beyond imagination.
Fellow Ugandans, time to act honestly and responsibly is now. We cannot keep demanding better from others when ourselves are busy planning to circumvent the standards out of sheer selfishness, it is simply not sustainable. Although, as a matter of responsibility and necessity we must ever demand for better from our leaders and never expect less from them for the privileges they enjoy are purely for service of the people and not employment for their self enrichment. This should however, remind us all that as we demand for better today our kids expect better from us tomorrow. It is only and after we have ensured this trait that we can proudly enjoy and celebrate the cause of humanity and our very being as Ugandans.
Please! Eng. Badru Kiggundu and company we deserve better.
For God and My country
3 comments:
Well said!
While addressing a Ugandan Olympic boxing team in the gardens of the state house, the only Ugandan field marshal this land has ever had advised that the only way they can overcome corrupt tendencies of the umpire in a boxing ring is to go for a first time knock out ( KO) floor the opponent on the canvas. Everybody will be a witness and you will come back as a victor.
Fellow Ugandans the ball is set in your hands next year. If you think the current government has served you right nor otherwise forget the umpire. Let’s all go and vote and if any of the sides got 98% in a clear free and fair vote we should hang up our boots for the next term of office to end. Eddie Turyahika
The time has come when we realise that change lies in our hands and not our leaders. Lets take the cue!
Post a Comment