In the preceding weeks we have seen a growing call for secure polls in Uganda. Yoweri Museveni’s 34 year presidencies is strongly threatened by a 38 year old presidential aspirant. Most people across the world have watched dumbly as Museveni arm twisted candidates over the years. The 2021 election however provides an opportunity for re-conversing.
While most African leaders may not have the confidence to ask tough questions, we the people can. The security situation within Uganda may have unimagined consequences to regional peace. Here is the catch, our safety as a people relies entirely in the strength of institutions and adherence to the constitution.
While Museveni’s leadership has offered so much for Ugandans guaranteed democracy has never been on the table. As a president he has continually lied to the Ugandan citizens. First with relation to his term limits. Then the corruption within the country. Infrastrutural and structural development has also been continually ignored. Good leaders do not have a sense of entitlement. And while Ugandans fear the consequence of a Idd-Amin-like leadership they also would not pass out an opportunity for peaceful transfer of power.
The January election should set a precedence. Thanks to social media tools like Facebook Ugandans will speak as the world watches. Bobi Wine’s campaign tools have put in place a very complex voter tracking system. This will engage thousands of volunteers streaming live proceedings on election day across the country. The safety of an electoral system must be assured for a nation to proudly stake its position among democracies. Will Uganda prove its position among nations?