Ugandans speak out on America''s elections

By Moses Walubiri

After a hotly contested presidential race, Americans today go to the polls whose outcome will either extend Barack Obama’s tenure on Capitol Hill, or usher in Mitt Romney as the 45th president of the United States.

And with the polls proving a cliff hanger, Uganda’s elites, civil society and politicians have pitched in on the riveting contest.

Although the campaigns have lacked the euphoria that characterized the 2008 elections, many Ugandans have nevertheless followed the most tightly contested US election in recent memory.

According to Dr. Sabiti Makara, a political science lecturer at Makerere University, Obama deserves a second term to help him “continue his recovery program for the US economy.”

Makara contends that George Bush left the American economy in an abyss, and Obama has “in the circumstances done a good job.”

The Makerere don avers that Obama’s Health care reform tailored to providing health insurance for every American is the kind of achievement a Romney presidency would strike down since he (Romney) “represents capitalist interests.”

As for Prof. Mwambutsya Ndebesa, a political historian lecturing at Makerere, his support for Obama stems from his natural affinity for the US Democratic Party.

“The DP, unlike Republicans, stands for values that are close to my heart. The party’s policies are not introverted. For that, I support Obama, not because of his color, but for the values his party stands for,” Ndebesa said.

However, Political Science Don, Prof. Aaron Mukwaya contends that it doesn’t matter who carries the day, saying American politics and foreign policies are premised on immutable national goals.

“Both candidates are presidential; besides, American has institutions and values that govern its engagement with the world. I don’t think it matters who wins, although I have naturally supported Democrats,” Mukwaya said.

Cissy Kagaba, the executive director of anti-corruption coalition Uganda is rooting for an Obama victory, citing his “astute foreign policy” which saw him take out Al Qaeda chief, Osama Bin Laden.

“I would go for a candidate who is not going to start wars. The Republicans under Bush left America with two ruinous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that Obama is trying to disengage from,” Kagaba said.

MP Abdu Katuntu has settled for an Obama victory on account of his solid support from America’s Hispanics, young voters, minority groups and women.

“The high unemployment and budget deficit has made the elections too close to call, but I expect Obama to beat Romney to the tape,” Katuntu said.

MPs Alice Alaso, Denis Obua, Margaret Baba Diri and Ronah Ninsiima are rooting for Obama, his position on abortion notwithstanding.

“The American economy was in free fall at the onset of Obama presidency. He has done a good job, despite the high unemployment and I hope American voters don’t sacrifice him for issues that were beyond his control,” Baba Diri said.

However, JEEMA party president, Asuman Basalirwa and MPs Alex Ndezi and David Bahati contend it doesn’t matter who wins the polls.

US goes to polls with the race between Obama and his Republican challenger, Romey a virtual dead heat, according to opinion polls.