Political leaders need dialogue, not hostility

By Robert Mugumya

WITH the death of John Bosco Ariong (RIP), a senior Police officer on March 21 in Kampala, the Government and opposition leaders have blamed each other for the brutal killing.

All peace-loving Ugandans must condemn acts of those who have chosen to make man-killing a political trade. Nonetheless, there is need for calm at this trying moment. Political leaders should avoid popularist statements that are likely to increase tension among the people and push our country back to a political abyss.

Reacting violently to a situation where the civilian population is involved may be counterproductive. Firstly, there is a likelihood of mistaken identity being arrested, tortured and victimised. Secondly, it is neither a sustainable strategy nor an option for peace in society since we cannot find peace in turmoil. Consequently, the road for peace turns out to be the road out of peace, with a possibility of increased trouble and miseries.

Therefore, I suggest the Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) created in February 2010 be given a chance to address Uganda’s outstanding political issues. What we see happen in our country today is a harvest of yesterday’s sowing, consequences of unresolved governance issues. Let IPOD members try to fix the problem instead of fixing the blame; let them act instead of reacting. 

How many people must die before our political leaders can hold meaningful discussions without either party threatening the other? Focused leaders must act brilliantly without waiting for a political ship to tumble over us with our words remaining floating in the air. IPOD should be proactive in giving political leaders an authoritative platform to debate and iron out contentious issues. To ask people to stay quiet in chains is to deny them the right of self-defense, and self-defense in any situation is honest and natural.

I think this is the right moment for IPOD to bring a ray of hope to Ugandans who face suffering without purpose and a future without hope. Ugandans are not interested in political scores, delusions and anarchy but in a genuine political settlement based on dialogue.

To enhance sustainable political stability, peace and development in Uganda, political leaders should take seriously issues of social justice, human rights, economic stability and an efficient political order based on democratic governance. We must ensure that good governance, accountability and transparency flourish as the main hinges of a democratic society where national interests transcend individual interests.

Reflecting on Uganda’s political past, many will agree that people’s suffering is linked to violent conflicts, political instability or unjust policies and practices. In this respect IPOD has gotten an uphill task of calming the storm surrounding Uganda’s current political divide of leaders with craving for dominance, lust for power and supremacy. Critical analysis is essential to explain current events and the direction our country is taking.

Finally, leaders of NRM and opposition parties ought to understand that the Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity and happiness of the people. There is no NRM citizen, FDC citizen, DP citizen, JEEMA citizen or UPC citizen in Uganda. We are Ugandan citizens. Therefore, it is desirable that all Ugandans should be at peace with one another. Hence there is need for dialogue, not hostility.

The writer is a researcher and patriot.