Eloquence is not enough

Aug 05, 2010

EDITOR—American and British contemporary style of democracy has brought to the fore, the importance of a civil debate for presidential candidates in countries that boast of relative political maturity.

EDITOR—American and British contemporary style of democracy has brought to the fore, the importance of a civil debate for presidential candidates in countries that boast of relative political maturity.

African politicians should sit in a civil environment around a table, take stock of previous promises and make solemn undertakings in front of millions of viewers instead of making cowardly and unsubstantiated statements in the comfort of their safe political havens at party headquarters. The mere mention of a debate in Uganda rings bells regarding who would emerge winner.

However Nick Clegg who emerged third in the British polls shows that oratory alone isn’t enough to secure victory. The Ugandan major protagonists include Museveni, Besigye, Mao and Otunnu. Museveni has overtime developed into a captivating speaker with his speeches characterized by humour and calm even in stormy situations.

His depth of knowledge in almost every subject has earned him cult status internationally. By contrast, his closest rival Besigye has anger, despondency and is disgruntled. Articulate as he is, these traits mar his speeches. Mao and Otunnu are men who would easily win an election if the only benchmark was eloquence.

While Museveni will be addressing issues which the electorate directly identify with such as Bonna Bagagawale, immunization, UPE, etc, the others will be discussing “superfluous and complex” issues like ICC, CHOGM reports, etc.

Kuloba Wesaka
kulobahenry@yahoo.co.uk

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