One of the key achievements of President Yoweri Museveni and the NRM government since he took over power following a prolonged rebellion in 1986, was the re-introduction of democracy and free speech in Uganda.
Over the years, we witnessed unparalleled liberalization of media space with private individuals being allowed to run their own media houses uninterrupted by the state. Fast forward, three decades later and new forms of media have been invented that have allowed individuals at home and across the country to broadcast their messages to wider, local and global audiences.
This new development has enabled citizens to practice one of the key tenants of democracy – free speech. During his tenure as President of Uganda, Iddi Amin infamously stated that, whereas there is freedom of speech, freedom after speech was not guaranteed. This was a de-facto decree against people to exercise their rights to have their views heard.
At the end of last week, Self styled Pastor Joseph Kabuleta published an article on social media, his latest in a long series that continually, unashamedly abused and demeaned the person of the President and his family. All through his Presidency, Yoweri Museveni has always been clear that he has no objection to abuse of his policies and governance, however anyone that exceeded the limits to insult his family would always be dealt with accordingly.
Last year it was opposition activist Stella Nyanzi who published a vulgar poem, using sexually explicit words to describe the President and the first lady. She is currently engaged in court to answers charges under the computer misuse act.
It is clear that many political actors in Uganda especially political commentators have chosen this path of personal attacks on the President er political capital and spring their political carriers forward. Its only last year that a one prophet, Elvis Mbonye predicted that Kabuleta would unseat, Museveni in the forthcoming 2021 general elections.
In the past, this clear act of sedition has been used by political commentators working for the opposition and foreign powers to undermine the legitimacy of the siting head of state. To these arm chair activists, the integrity the President has built over the years means nothing to them when type and publish their statements of hate.
Others like opposition lawyer, Nicholas Opio have instead put up a competition on social media to see who can come up with the most elaborate insult to the Presidency in a gross attempt at vulgarizing his image and personality. That is how low our so called Ugandan elite have gone to remain relevant in society. To see such educated individuals encouraging such behavior is alarming.
The Uganda Police, gladly published a warning to Ugandans to be mindful of what they write and issued a strong warning against those that may wish to use similar techniques to farther their agendas.