As we move closer to the 2021 general elections, it has become prudent that the key political actors and king makers in the country start to preach Peace and Unity ahead of the elections. Uganda has made tremendous strides in the pursuit of National unity and cohesion. The Liberation war of the NRM marked a very important juncture for this country as it ushered in a period of unprecedented peace and national unity which enabled growth and development of the country and its citizens.
This however should not be taken for granted as a few careless statements and actions can erode the gains of the last three decades overnight. This is one of the legacies of the class of 1986 and it’s incumbent upon them to instill these gains among the youths and millennials who have known no other Uganda.
A quick look at the recent NRM primaries shows that there are a number of people for whom violence in politics is attractive and beneficial. This should not be the case. We need to change the people’s mentality through social behavioral change programs that can help them gear their strength to more proactive activities like agriculture and industry rather than politics.
Dialogue should be the preferred means of settling political dispute. Secondly, political office should not be a do or dies affair! This is the root of all the electoral violence in this country. Some offices have become so financially beneficial to the point that people are willing to fight family for these posts.
Thirdly, we need to develop a service-oriented approach to our political offices. This means that even when one is not elected, they can still impact on the livelihoods of their people. This way, one who intends to stand for service shall not feel aggrieved when they lose.
More so, we need to introduce term limits for our elective positions. You cannot find a person standing on an affirmative action seat like woman MP for more than two terms. That defeats the purpose of the initiative. Let people know that they can have a chance to win and not always stand with incumbents who have amassed resources that make them hard to beat in a free and fair election.
Religious leaders should also be allowed to have a more definitive voice in elections especially when it comes to guidance of our leaders and orientation of youths to be peace loving and tolerant towards one another.
Our Polls don’t have to be violent and this is a responsibility of each one of us to protect our peace and foster the growth of democracy in our motherland Uganda.
