Pader RDC reminder us of past regimes!
SIR — It was reported on April 5 that the Pader RDC, Santo Okot Lapolo, caned Lonzio Odora, a teacher at Patongo-Akwee primary School. This was a blatant abuse of office and a criminal act.
SIR — It was reported on April 5 that the Pader RDC, Santo Okot Lapolo, caned Lonzio Odora, a teacher at Patongo-Akwee primary School. This was a blatant abuse of office and a criminal act.
When he caned Odora, he acted as the Police, prosecutor and judge. This is a very serious issue because his conduct undermined the rule of law which we are told the NRM came to power to restore! The RDC is hand-picked by the president and is his direct political representative at district level. His actions therefore directly reflects on the president’s integrity.
If Lapolo’s misconduct goes without punishment it will demonstrate without doubt that the President approves of such backward and high-handed behaviour by a public figure. This incident reeks of the behaviour of past regimes and reminds Ugandans of the terror they endured under repressive regimes.
During Idi Amin’s regime, the then so-called Central Province Governor, Nassur Abudallah made people eat slippers because Amin had decreed that they should not be worn in town. caning a teacher in front of his pupils is a precursor to greater evils and such behaviour must be reined in.
It is intimidation of the citizens by the people in power and that is how Amin and Obote’s functionaries terrorised Ugandans. If the NRM went to the bush to prevent this madness, lapolo must be brought to account.
The barbaric ways of political leaders must not become a permanent legacy in Ugandan society. If he is not severely punished, Ugandans should not be told again that power belongs to the people!
Fred Sekiwano'
Kampala
When he caned Odora, he acted as the Police, prosecutor and judge. This is a very serious issue because his conduct undermined the rule of law which we are told the NRM came to power to restore! The RDC is hand-picked by the president and is his direct political representative at district level. His actions therefore directly reflects on the president’s integrity.
If Lapolo’s misconduct goes without punishment it will demonstrate without doubt that the President approves of such backward and high-handed behaviour by a public figure. This incident reeks of the behaviour of past regimes and reminds Ugandans of the terror they endured under repressive regimes.
During Idi Amin’s regime, the then so-called Central Province Governor, Nassur Abudallah made people eat slippers because Amin had decreed that they should not be worn in town. caning a teacher in front of his pupils is a precursor to greater evils and such behaviour must be reined in.
It is intimidation of the citizens by the people in power and that is how Amin and Obote’s functionaries terrorised Ugandans. If the NRM went to the bush to prevent this madness, lapolo must be brought to account.
The barbaric ways of political leaders must not become a permanent legacy in Ugandan society. If he is not severely punished, Ugandans should not be told again that power belongs to the people!
Fred Sekiwano'
Kampala