Like the first time, there is no telling how things will go. You will do general cleaning, wear an expensive perfume and still things can terribly go wrong, or right all the way to that bed of roses. UGANDA’s first ever Presidential Debate didn’t fail to entertain and amaze. With OMG moments,  missing candidates to witty speeches, this inaugural event liberated the country from the unfortunate culture of never questioning aspiring candidates to hopefully being more choosey of who to vote. (Lugambo has it some voters prefer money to manifestos. Thoughts?)
Unwillingly, Uganda looked under the skirt and so much that went unchecked before was exposed. Voters had the opportunity to watch their beloved would be leaders answer the hard questions. Some candidates impressed while others depressed or rather got some of us thinking harder on who to vote.
By this time most Ugandans have analyzed and watched the debate like that favorite Telemundo soap. Picked out their desirable ‘Salvador’ and hated that mother in law who can’t read the signs that she’s no longer welcome.
In this predictable story, 8 candidates vie for the Ugandan presidential seat 2016-2020, but only 7 turned up for the historical event. Was this a waste of time? I think not. Debates have been done by Europe, America and quite recently neighboring KENYA! If that’s not a sign, we ought to encourage awareness, openness and the ability for LEADERS to be accountable to the people not the other way round.
The debate was mainly organized by the Inter-religion Elders Council (something an election body ought to have done) and one would say it was money well spent. As the second debate lurks around the corner, (hopefully all candidates turn up) let me take the opportunity to revisit Uganda’s first attempt.
Candidate JOSEPH MABIRIZI was a superior comic relief and clearly with misplaced but good intentions. From his language, presentation and vision, many voters have compared him to a high school student trying out for the Head-boy position. The candidate failed at many times to answer questions without consulting ‘the people’s manifesto’ (his notes from class) and articulating exactly what he wanted to do. Pardon me, but I think a president should be able to express his views concisely.
Maybe if the debate was in luganda he (Mabirizi) would have made better sense. Unfortunately I am part of many Africans who have been colonized by the queen’s language and forever will believe it (English) superior to my native tongue.
The drama was in full gear when, Ms MAUREEN KYALYA constantly complained of how the world and the debate was unfair to women and other minorities. She claimed that she was never given enough time to answer questions, although the timer was never changed. To Dr. Kizza Besigye and the country’s shock, she accused him of having married Museveni’s sister and trying to keep the presidency in the first family! At this moment, I was like how can a presidential candidate use precious debate time to engage in door to door gossip?! Ms Kyalya disappointed me greatly and failed to represent the brilliant strong Ugandan women. (Ms Kyalya, find a corner and think about what you did.)
On the other hand, Dr. KIZZA BESIGYE and AMAMA MBABAZI were the usual politicians. Giving evasive answers and the latter dodging them entirely with temporary amnesia. The greater fight from the two giants, is to retire the current president and welcome a new regime into the country, though I am not sure if it’s not a case of getting rid of a black shoe to get another black shoe. (I hope am wrong.)
Surprisingly, the less popular candidates ABED BWANIKA and BENON BIRAARO debated with such charisma and vision. Sadly winning an election in Uganda has proved not to be about the vision or the candidates’ manifesto but other unmentionables. If these two really have this much of good plans for Uganda, they should start showing it even when not president. Maybe then we shall take them seriously.
Last but not a servant to his people (words by Kizza Besigye), H.E YOWERI KAGUTA M7 declined the invitation to the ground breaking inaugural event with reason of having a tight campaign schedule. As a Museveni believer, I was disappointed by the leader declining such a moment  to reassure the country and show how he actually serves Ugandans not himself and his grand children.
Adding salt to a wound, H.E M7 later expressed his disinterest in the debate, comparing it to high school debates! (You shouldn’t have, Mr Museveni) The big question now is, will the elusive candidate make a dramatic appearance on 13th February 2016 second and final debate?
Edris Matu 