After years of imagined peace, the Ugandan society breaks the silence. Awakened by a mix of poverty, joblessness, corruption, an over 20-year civil war in the north, the arrogance and brutality of those they entrusted with power, and promised government services that are never delivered to the best where they are, and especially inaccessible to the majority, the people decided to check what was once ‘their government’, powerful, adored and unbridled. Despite these challenges, the hope that a better society would be built was never lost.
Surging fuel and other commodity prices had an impact on the country. The world economic depression and the effects of the economic crunch were taking a toll on the economic, social and political life in Uganda. This was against the denials of those in power, who always assured Ugandans that the situation would not hit the country, and as such simply went on with their endless disclaimers of any responsibility for the atrocities committed by those who contested power in the 70s, 80s and 90s. They kept the ‘business as usual attitude’, self justification stories and the blame game.
Abuses against those opposed to the policies of government, tribal and other sectarian attacks on those who dared to speak out were at the increase. Steps taken by the government, including attacks on religious leaders, to suppress any expression of sentiment against its actions, worsened the situation.
The incumbent president, YK Museveni, had been pronounced winner of all presidential elections since 1996. However, from 2001, courts had often ruled that elections had been rigged in favor of Mr. Museveni even though that did not necessitate re-elections. Election observers and the press always indicated state brutality against supporters of other candidates in all elections.
Many people, especially in the capital and other towns determined to do whatever they could to air their dissatisfaction with the way government handled matters, especially its lack of a will to fight corruption, the suppression of human rights including freedom of expression and speech, the cramp down on the media and the rigging of elections.
Following a bad national economy that saw rising costs of living over the years; a declining world economy that, granted, increased prices everywhere in the world; a doubted win by Mr. Museveni in the 2011 presidential elections; and events in Northern and Western Africa and elsewhere, the Ugandan society was to see an increase in riots.
Spearheaded by the opposition parties, and in their lead by retired Colonel Dr. Kiiza Besigye of the Forum for Democratic Change, a number of Ugandans took to the streets to protest against high fuel and food prices. These protests have a very strong anti-government element. They show how oppressed and unheard people feel about a number of economic, social and political issues. Concerns they have tried to bring to the attention of the government over decades.
Often, people’s concerns have been taken lightly, as just those things that happen once in a while, politicized, tear-gassed and forgotten. All avenues for peaceful consideration and settling of people’s views have been blocked by a parliament controlled by the executive, the police with the aid of other security organs and the proverbial war of power between those who hold it and those who contest it. It is very clear that in a situation where no one neither respects nor listens to the other, the exercise of power comes into play. No one seems to see who will truly gain or lose in the long-run.
Like in all relationships, it is not so common, except where malice is the object, for one to complain without legitimate issues. The history of societies shows that usually those who challenge authority point to something that, if well handled, has power to make society, and to break it if poorly handled or neglected. Power utilized for the benefit of those upon whom it is exercised is seldom challenged. It is usual for those with power to desire to protect and defend it. Three conditions would make that desire rational; the sanctioning of that power by those upon whom it is exercised; use of that power to progressively improve the conditions of all and; whether that power is held in trust for, and benefit of the people who sustain it through taxes and many other ways. The conditions are far from being fulfilled in Uganda.
Many Ugandans think that the left option is to throw out the government. Elections over the years have so far failed. The history of the country is one of violence, brutality and massacres by governments and rebels in half a century. There are horrible stories from across the country. These keep fear of another war alive. Many Ugandans would not opt for war not only because of fear, but also because of the knowledge that it is a backward and painful experience. Demonstrations, at the moment, are left alternative, but they are smashed by state brutality in name of keeping law and order.
What we see in Uganda today might not end up in the overthrow of government as the case is in other societies that have been washed by antigovernment protests in the recent months. On the other hand, it might get to demands of the departure of the president and his government. Whatever the outcome is, the Ugandan society has spoken in no uncertain terms that they need to see responsibility, concern and action on the part of government to better the lives of the people.
It is a tragedy that both sides, especially the state, can not refrain from the use of violence. The opposition can neither give people any training that would help them to non-violently show their dissatisfaction nor put people under any pressure to desist from violence. In the absence of these measures, even though the demonstrations are hoped/planned to be peaceful, they can easily degenerate into anarchy. On the other hand, the government arrogantly feels so secure that it believes the best option is to quiet these protests with force as opposed to looking into their causes. This force has instead brought mayhem, death and increased anti-government sentiment. It is time for every stakeholder to join in the efforts to end the violence and resolve the legitimate issues causing the unrest.
Societies that do not protest heavy taxation, corruption, infringement of human rights and freedom and unchecked powers of the state are always forced to toil and suffer under depressed economies. The Ugandan community has shown, and continues to show, that it deserves better. Whether the current government is able to run for the next five years or not, whoever is in power now and in the future will do well to know that Ugandans can no longer unquestioningly entertain those who ride on their backs, they are afraid no more and will challenge any authority, except the unseen.
Also, they would prefer a peaceful settling of the country’s challenges. However, the arrogance of those contesting power will push society to eventually risk greater chaos, causing further devastation of the economy and break down of society.
God Bless Uganda!
Pius Seguya
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