Let us focus on service delivery, not age in 2019

By Haji Nsereko Mutumba

The year 2019 is here. Despite our political and ideological differences, I pray for national unity, especially when it comes to issues that cut across; like fighting poverty, ignorance, disease and insecurity.

According to the NRM manifesto, we are still in ‘Kisanja hakuna Muchezo', so I expect the NRM Government to press ahead with development programmes that will further increase household incomes and the national revenue.

In this new year, I also expect the Opposition leadership to challenge the ruling party on issues of service delivery, not the age.

Let us not narrow our national debate to just the age and term limit. There are many key and more important issues worth pointing out.

Our leaders do not have to be youthful. As long as they are still useful, when it comes to service delivery, they deserve our support and respect regardless of their age or political affiliation.

If the issues of age and term limit were to be applied across the political divide, many of the current ‘useful' Opposition leaders wouldn't be holding leadership positions in their respective parties.

Therefore, for the debate on age to hold credibility, it should also apply to the Opposition leadership.

Currently, the Government is dealing with the issues of corruption, poverty and pockets of insecurity and there is commendable progress being made on these fronts.

My thanks go to the office of the IGG, COSASE, Bamugemereire Commission and the various security agencies for the job well done.

Winning the fight against corruption for example is not based on age, but the resolve and strategy of the leaders. If there are challenges or even failure in the strategy, I suggest we offer constructive criticism and present a way forward.

For example, once in power, what will the current Opposition do that the NRM Government has not done for Ugandans?

What has the Opposition leaders done for their constituencies and the country so far in terms of real service delivery?

Because leadership is not about who, but what? Ugandans have repeatedly voted for NRM in the past elections because of what it has done for the country.

Politicians and some religious leaders should, therefore, stop peddling politics of hate and division and focus on the real issues affecting wananchi.

When it comes to the issues of health, poverty alleviation and national security, we should work with, not against the Government, because such issues concern us as Ugandans, regardless of our political affiliations.

The Opposition and the Government should do us a favour and always use dialogue to address any political differences that arise between them.

Finally, I expect every Ugandan to work for peace, love peace and keep peace, because Uganda is here forever.

The author is the UMSC Spokesperson

He can be reached on Tel: 0772409504 or pro.umsc@gmail.com