To purge NRM’s reputation and steady progress, rethink party primaries metaphysically!

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OPINION

By Patrick Katagata Jr

Metaphysics is a branch in philosophy which transcends physical or circumstantial evidence to best appreciate the essential nature of reality. It distinguishes Substance from Form and examines truth beyond mere logical inferences, schools of thought, and discourses, even in political philosophy.

I have, for the second time running, had a futile Buhweju County parliamentary bid in NRM Primaries, marred by glaring irregularities. I was rated the most peaceable and eloquent candidate, but also—interestingly, most fretted, and like the biblical Joseph—son of Jacob, disowned and sold away by my [NRM] party leaders! Why? Because I have consistently and unflinchingly abhorred their behaviour that perennially leaves wananchi grumbling with minor dissention; that the NRM government forgot about Buhweju—hasn’t commensurately rewarded her great support to the Museveni-led NRA bush-war, and unrivalled support in successive elections in Ankole, to-date! Buhweju, ironically, remains visibly underserved, and with hardly any significant political appointments to national offices, etc.

Our leadership over the years, broadly speaking, is, however, partly to blame. Many seemingly pursued personal gains against common interests. Crippling corruption, voter bribery, creeping collusions with some government officials, etc., abound!

I have endured calumny as ‘FDC’ and insulted as: Museveni’s bootlicker; sycophant, etc., for my relentless allegiance to Gen. Museveni and the NRM. The enemies-within, superficially present themselves as most loyal to the ideals, values, desired direction, and progress of the party, but there’s nothing further from the truth than their selfish strivings, masked in phony speeches and adorning party yellow apparel everywhere—in churches, weddings, and funerals alike!

Owing to my consistent leadership character and promise, I have, after my unsuccessful bids, been persuaded by constituents—and admirers beyond Buhweju to contest on the independent ticket, but declined. Why? Consistency is critical in all endeavours. Besides, I cannot cause meaningful positive change in my party as a bystander critic, but when internally involved.

To recall the words of Theodore Roosevelt, America’s 26^th President, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly;…to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat”.

This, juxtaposed with my exuberant patriotic spirit and sacred scripture in Matthew 5:10-12, encourages me to press on with a clean conscience and hope, however risky! I have, from previous elections, made my observations and recommendations publicly, and to the NRM Secretariat, specifically, the office of the Director of Mobilisation, because I deemed them rather universal.

I had expected better Primaries, but alas, today seems worse! Gladly, the National Chairman, President Museveni, caught wind of the mischief by self-seekers, and gave stern assurances of purging action by state agencies.

While adducing all evidence may be difficult, in instances where the RDC, District [Party] Chairperson openly ask[s] candidates to facilitate Registrars and Security—citing delayed funds’ disbursement by NRM Electoral Commission/government, can we expect a credible election? Doesn’t it tantamount to vote auctioning—the highest bidder taking it all? Isn’t it illegal? Is calling for Party Primaries’ modus operandi’s metaphysical rethinking redundant?

The writer is former Buhweju County MP Aspirant