Advice to new MPs
May 20, 2011
IT is not every day that I get a chance to address new members of Parliament who are full of resolve and belief that Uganda is finally safer now that they have been sworn in.
By Hilary Bainemigisha
IT is not every day that I get a chance to address new members of Parliament who are full of resolve and belief that Uganda is finally safer now that they have been sworn in.
That enthusiasm is so good and necessary. It reminds me of a newlywed couple, who have gone through the necessary dating and the only thing they could define as good was their impending wedding.
Now you are married, licenced to run as mad as you want in your bedroom, display affection publicly without fear and show some development in your compound and bodies. the world is happy for you but also ready to watch your goings and comings as if it was created just for that.
Soon, for some it is sooner, your enthusiasm, love and patriotism will lose its heat and, for some, become as cold as riot policemen. Your partners and constituents will begin to ask what happened to the promises you made. Those of us who have lived in this country long enough will not be surprised, because we know that right now, the first thing on your mind is not the strategy of fulfilling your promises but how to pay your debts and recover the money you used in campaigns.
Today, I want to point out to you the new love challenges that are going to pothole your parliamentary roads. No one escapes them. It is a disease known as power, which knows no boundaries.
That swearing in you enjoyed elevated you from the crowds. This would have been harmless if your hands were not holding meat. Now the eagles, hawks, hyenas, rats and … name it can easily see and disorganise you. You have what they want and they know that the stress of your new political life will start making fun, relaxation and adventure such an imperative attraction.
Some of you have always been strong in the face of temptation. But this time it is coming in unexpected waves and strength, tantamount to Besigye’s 11-hour drive from the airport. Will your police handle? Forewarned is forearmed.
But, perhaps, the biggest challenge yet will be inside your homes! Some people will start feeling too big, too busy and too sophisticated for their spouses! Others will try to keep calm within their skins only to discover that the partner is changing.
Women, especially, will have to deal with a husband whose ego is making him too sensitive, paranoid and difficult to deal with. You cannot ask your husband to understand; it is natural for him to be uncomfortable with a wife who is more powerful. It is also unnatural for you to be powerful and behave as if you are not. And if you thought winning an election was hard, finding the delicate balance is harder!
Fortunately, you say, you have your senior MPs to copy survival skills from. But hold it: are they handling it any better?
From my wise point of view, it seems the fountain of dependable advice will still be hosted here. You all know how sinful it is for an MP NOT to read newspapers. Maybe what you didn’t know is that missing out on Dr Love is like buying meat and eating only the bones.
Luckily for you, you have no option. We meet next week.
IT is not every day that I get a chance to address new members of Parliament who are full of resolve and belief that Uganda is finally safer now that they have been sworn in.
That enthusiasm is so good and necessary. It reminds me of a newlywed couple, who have gone through the necessary dating and the only thing they could define as good was their impending wedding.
Now you are married, licenced to run as mad as you want in your bedroom, display affection publicly without fear and show some development in your compound and bodies. the world is happy for you but also ready to watch your goings and comings as if it was created just for that.
Soon, for some it is sooner, your enthusiasm, love and patriotism will lose its heat and, for some, become as cold as riot policemen. Your partners and constituents will begin to ask what happened to the promises you made. Those of us who have lived in this country long enough will not be surprised, because we know that right now, the first thing on your mind is not the strategy of fulfilling your promises but how to pay your debts and recover the money you used in campaigns.
Today, I want to point out to you the new love challenges that are going to pothole your parliamentary roads. No one escapes them. It is a disease known as power, which knows no boundaries.
That swearing in you enjoyed elevated you from the crowds. This would have been harmless if your hands were not holding meat. Now the eagles, hawks, hyenas, rats and … name it can easily see and disorganise you. You have what they want and they know that the stress of your new political life will start making fun, relaxation and adventure such an imperative attraction.
Some of you have always been strong in the face of temptation. But this time it is coming in unexpected waves and strength, tantamount to Besigye’s 11-hour drive from the airport. Will your police handle? Forewarned is forearmed.
But, perhaps, the biggest challenge yet will be inside your homes! Some people will start feeling too big, too busy and too sophisticated for their spouses! Others will try to keep calm within their skins only to discover that the partner is changing.
Women, especially, will have to deal with a husband whose ego is making him too sensitive, paranoid and difficult to deal with. You cannot ask your husband to understand; it is natural for him to be uncomfortable with a wife who is more powerful. It is also unnatural for you to be powerful and behave as if you are not. And if you thought winning an election was hard, finding the delicate balance is harder!
Fortunately, you say, you have your senior MPs to copy survival skills from. But hold it: are they handling it any better?
From my wise point of view, it seems the fountain of dependable advice will still be hosted here. You all know how sinful it is for an MP NOT to read newspapers. Maybe what you didn’t know is that missing out on Dr Love is like buying meat and eating only the bones.
Luckily for you, you have no option. We meet next week.