4 out of 10 people I know abandon the ballot paper on the D-day. The reasons they give:

1- the elections will be rigged anyway, why should I vote?

2- I am too busy to go and cast my vote .

3- I didn’t register for elections.

From 1961 Uganda has gone through government changes by elections, war and a military coupe. In 1986, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni seized power following a five year guerrilla Bush war in luweero. From then, elections have gradually become more dramatic with the last three entirely targeted at retiring H.E Y K Museveni.

So is it true that Ugandans don’t vote? The answer to that is inconclusive, but public opinion suggests that a big portion of Ugandans don’t vote because they believe that their opinion or vote doesn’t count. (am as shocked as you are!)

Uganda is a democratic country.  It’s people are free and have rights to live in whatever way they desire. (as stated by the Constitution.)  So why would a part of this young population decide not to vote?

Is it because there has been constant claims of election rigging? A practice that sent many into protest over Milton Obote’s 1980 presidential election. When the late UPC flag bearer was announced president of Uganda , the country was drowned into a period of political strife. A then young and patriotic Museveni protested this win and opted to fight the election fraud from the bush. After a five year shed of blood and struggle, the era of pseudo-democracy was over.

Under the non – partisan democracy, a presidential poll was held in 1996 pitting incumbent Yoweri Museveni against contenders Paul Kawaga Ssemwogerere and Muhammed Mayanja. This was the first election since 1980 and the country liberator Yoweri Museveni won by a landslide. After entering a new Millennium , Museveni won the 2001 election amid claims of voter intimidation and rigging. The same claims have lingered through 2006, 2011 and now most people have drawn back from participating in a process they deem faulted.

After 30 years of one president, a group of people feel they have returned to 1980. A time when Milton Obote seemed hungry to rule Uganda for as many times as he could. Is history repeating it’s self? Do Ugandans who decide not to vote believe that the elections have a pre-slated date and results before the actual day?

Others believe Museveni is the only vision bearer and deserves to lead the pearl of Africa with steady progress. Whats your opinion? Come the 18th of February, Uganda goes to the poll another time. I say go and actually vote other than turning a deaf ear to such a significant event. Go VOTE for a fair and free election. FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY

 

 

 

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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?