Bwanika Joseph; Uganda our motherland has celebrated 61 years of it’s sovereignty
As per life stage, Uganda is now in the middle age adult phase.
What are the expectations at this age.
Can we be proud of our sovereignty and brag about our maturity?
Moreso, Are our institutions functioning satisfactorily?
Such are questions that must act as a driving force so as to go forward as a nation.
Have we put up back up plans to avert challenges ranging from social, economic and political implications?
Even though the Colonialists were ruling us unacceptably, to some degree they scored in some spheres that up to now, we can attest to their stay.
In transport, administration, Education, in Agriculture among others.
Our cash crops were cemented, namely cotton, coffee, Tobacco, tea, upon harvesting, farmers could smile handsomely.
Now, have our leaders empowered the Nationals to maintain and also creat more wealth for our country or not?
Politically, Are citizens electing patriotic leaders who are charismatic and always rise to the occasion where there is need?
Are our Arms of government, executive, judiciary, legislature and not forgetting the media as fourth estate independent?
Or one is suppressing the other over selfish ideologies?
Ideally,at 61,a country has matured,we ought to be serious and upright.
A country must work on natural assets and support local investors to cover the gap that would necessitate over borrowing.
By doing this, Uganda will be able to avoid compromising its laws, and earn respect just like a responsible mature “person” of 61 years old.
The decision was taken and ordered to Let go of donor pressure, not bowing down to external orders in the name of compromising morals and nation law.
I would cite an example of the recent bill that Uganda passed opposing the same sex marriages,
and the proponents of this mainly human rights defenders backed by the World bank called for the reversal of this law.
Uganda’s sovereignty was and still tested,
Should Uganda bow down to the conditions and compromise its common law the responsibility is upon all Citizens to protect the constitution.
Truth be told,the recently passed law against same sex marriage put Uganda’s independence in spotlight as our former colonial masters swung into action trying to influence the country’s stand on that issue. However, this same challenge came with evidence that at some point law and constitutionalism is in practice apparently human rights lawyers supported by the LGBTQ proponents are being bankrolled by human rights defenders to throw away this law. So in such situations, Uganda’s independence is put to test whereby human rights have to be protected and at the same time moral values have to be upheld in order to promote cultural norms and beliefs.
Still, one asks whether our independence is real if there is still rampant corruption, impunity, tribalism, unemployment and some lukewarm administration.
Fast forward,at 61 Uganda’s leadership must align measures to counter challenges at hand.
Our leaders ought to address issues pertaining to society from top to bottom.
Bwanika Joseph
The writer is a Social Development specialist
CEO Bridge Your Mind Center
bwani.jose@gmail.com