By David Oduut
Bukedea: As I sit on my veranda in Bukedea, overlooking the vast plains of Karamoja, welcoming the low-hanging eastern clouds, I’m reminded of my ancestors’ wise words: “Ewolobos ebuni aiwol ikito lu eyegel alias!” (When the wind blows, it exposes the trees with weak roots). The recent Coffee Bill 2024 debate has exposed Ugandan politics’ ugly underbelly, revealing the weak roots of tribalism and desperation!
Individuals on social media, led by Leader of Opposition Joel Senyonyi have been exposed, and have resorted to spinning petty slander and tribal sentiments against Speaker Anita Among, blatantly claiming she made tribal statements during the recent Coffee Bill 2024 debate. They were very wrong. Parliament came out to clarify that the Speaker did NOT say anything tribal but she only urged the government chief whip to prevent any members from tribalizing the coffee debate, showcasing her exemplary leadership and commitment to unity.
The reality instead is; these individuals with silly wit are actually trying to exploit the coffee debate to score personal political points by peddling falsehoods and seeking to stir tribal tensions using the name of Speaker Among. Other than that and between the lines, we all know some of their other intentions. For example, when Senyonyi keeps making a constant mate out of Speaker Among, his ulterior intentions are in black and white.
Remember? Senyonyi’s secret video, leaked on social media, where UK gay MPs endorsed him for funding to fight their cause and possibly become Uganda’s president. So his ‘hard work’ in constant demonization of Speaker Among, only justifies the force behind the fire in him!
This desperation is not unique to only Senyonyi, Erias Lukwago, Kampala’s Lord Mayor, is also seeking to use Speaker Among’s name for redemption after the recent Kiteezi landfill tragedy, which claimed over 35 lives under his watch. Lukwago now seeks to exploit tribal lines to save face. But will this tactic salvage his fading political career?
Bobi Wine, too, joins the chorus, attempting to arouse anger for personal gain amidst strained relations with Mengo. But what has Bobi Wine done for Baganda, aside from radicalizing their children and drugging them with marijuana for protests; filming them for personal imperial awards, and exchanging their efforts for flight tickets abroad?
These are the ringleaders of falsehood targeting Speaker Anita Among, the rest are either blindly tagging along out of spite or just to attract a following on their social media platforms.
This pettiness of tribal politics is a hallmark of failures. In a democratic setting like parliament, a popular vote wins the day. This is what happened on Thursday, those in favor of merging UCDA with MAAIF took the day with 159 votes against the opposition 77. In a democracy, the winner takes the day; that’s why the bill proceeded to the second reading.
It’s absurd that the Senyonyi’s have always wished to judge Speaker Among’s leadership and capabilities solely on tribal grounds. This shameful display of tribalism that all Ugandans must condemn.
We’ve been down this treacherous road before – the Mengo raid, Idi Amin’s regime, etc. Can’t we learn from our tumultuous past? Sectarian politics has in the past ravaged our nation, pitting neighbor against neighbor, we must all denounce it!
The Coffee Bill 2024 aims to streamline services, eliminate wasteful administration, and ensure efficient delivery. A noble goal that should unite us, not divide us. Alas, politics has taken center stage, and reason has taken a back seat.
As Ugandans, we deserve better. We deserve leaders who put the nation’s interests above petty squabbles and tribal sentiments. Leaders who work towards unity, inclusivity, and respect.
In conclusion, let’s leave Speaker Anita Among out of petty tribal politics. She loves Buganda and the Baganda just like she loves all Uganda and its vast tribes. Her dedication knows no tribal boundaries. She has visited Mengo, supported various causes, and built relationships with leaders like CPM. Let’s recognize her tireless work to serve all Ugandans and support her in her endeavors.
To those spreading falsehoods and fueling division, I say: stop harming our nation. To my fellow Ugandans, I urge: let’s promote unity, inclusivity, and respect.
In the words of our wise elders, “A river that forgets its source will surely dry up.” Let’s not forget our past; let’s learn from it. Let’s choose unity, inclusivity, and respect. Let’s choose progress over petty politics. The future of Uganda depends on it.
David Oduut writes for the good of Uganda.
