The GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY; Uganda and the FDC political party

There is no doubt that Uganda like most other “STAGNATING” countries has been at crossroads for so long on almost all fronts; political, social and economic. Whereas they are normally referred to as developing countries, I choose to call them “stagnating” for this is what they have proved to be, but since this is not the subject for today, I rest my case.

The race is on to choose a new party president of FDC (The Forum for Democratic Change) to replace the current party president Rtd. Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye, I see this as a golden opportunity for both the FDC as a party and Uganda as a whole; the reason why every Ugandan of good will should pick genuine interest in how this process progresses and how it finally ends irrespective of individual political belief and/or ethnicity.

It is a golden opportunity for the FDC party to stand out of the crowd by reassuring Ugandans, through displaying political maturity and presiding over a free, fair and transparent process. Ensuring that this contest is not just another political or public relations game but rather a serious democratic project aimed at enhancing the foreseeable political change and thereby provide Ugandans with a strong alternative in the nation’s quest for an alternative political force and reliable future government.

This FDC maneuver for change of leadership and the convincing public profiles of the aspiring candidates in this race is a quantifiable gesture that points to achievable possibilities that lie ahead in as far as change of leadership for parties and/or an organization is concerned. Uganda as a whole therefore has an invaluable chance, a big lesson and an energy infusion of hope for better should genuine effort and goodwill be accorded to this whole process. The party in government has a BIG lesson to learn and replicate in as far as boosting its democratic credentials and redeeming its image is concerned, it is unrealistic, myopic, out of fashion and obscene to perceive and continue to believe that there is only one man who has the vision and capacity to lead the NRM party and Uganda. In this 21^st century? Alas!   

Great leaders do not necessarily accomplish everything that they desire to achieve in their lifetime since it is an unrealistic bargain and an impossible task for anyone to hope to do so.  However, it is the momentum of their leadership appeal, good legacy and influence that has vindicated their greatness by positively impacting on the lives of their people during and long after their times.   

I am glad that Rtd. Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye has chosen to unveil his will for good a legacy and greatness during his lifetime by choosing to mentor and create space for other leaders to emerge and take the mantle; there is no doubt that history will vindicate his vision and greatness. He is a MAN AMONG MEN, the man who has distinguished himself as a pace setter, a symbol of extraordinary courage, conviction and foresight in the struggle to deliver Uganda out of the NRM government’s political bondage and perverse social and economic indiscipline.

The above attributes of this MAN AMONG MEN, the monstrousness of the current regime and the challenges that we face as a country clearly defines the SIZE of the political shoes for which the three aspiring candidates for FDC presidency are tirelessly seeking to fill. By any measure this is a tall order which requires another MAN AMONG MEN to be entrusted with this enormous and amoebic responsibility.

I am convinced about the public profile for each of the three aspirants for presidency of FDC; Hon. Godfrey Ekanya, Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi and Rtd. Maj. General Gregory Mugisha Muntu Oyera, they are all men with impeccable credentials that are commensurate with the task ahead of them. However, this does not mean that all of them deserve the mantle of the party at this particular moment in time. The delegates who constitute the electoral college of FDC have an invaluable task, to stand out and be counted for the truth and for mother Uganda. They have to rise above trivialities and chose a MAN among these men for who he is and not where he comes from.

The beauty of humans is their uniqueness of character and inherent capacities, yet their different approach and actions when confronting the same situation may produce similar results. Delegates must understand and appreciate that Dr. Besigye is out and those coming in to replace him are unique and should therefore be judged on their own merit, therefore those who are looking for another Besigye will miserably miss the beauty and rationale of this contest.    

Among the three powerful candidates I have a feeling that keeps ringing my mind that Rtd. Major General Gregory Mugisha Muntu is the MAN among the men who is capable to take hold of the FDC mantle with unstoppable and irreversible resolve. He is a man capable of steering FDC through the transitioning period from being the main opposition party to a party in government.  A principled and incorruptible gentleman. A man of integrity with distinguished national service behind him. A man who by choice has fully reintegrated in the civilian fold from the much hyped military profession in Uganda. A man of zeal who is unapologetically taking on his former bosses and colleagues for the sake of a better Uganda. This is the profile that is highly suitable for leadership of FDC as party and Uganda as a country.  

It is evident that he is a candidate with national appeal, besides he will easily be acceptable to both civilians and the military because of the fact that he easily identifies and fits in both groups. There is an opportunity in him to boost the civilian confidence and to ensure civilian authority and control of the military as enshrined in our constitution yet this reality has always eluded us in the past.  

Time is now for all of us Ugandans to seize the moment by standing with those who have showed us reliable resolve to stand with Uganda in these trying times. No more should Ugandans glorify the thieves and those who hoodwink in order retain undue advantage and entrench misrule.

“For God and my Country”