semugs@yahoo.com
The main story in all local newspapers for the last couple of days has been the defection of Maj Rubaramira Ruranga from FDC to the ruling NRM.
This story has been sandwiched with others on an alleged turmoil in FDC, the biggest opposition political party.
And because the media sets the agenda,
the country has been forced to abandon more crucial issues to discuss
Rubaramira, who, by the way, is as a victim of personal rule as any
other that we need not to vilify.
I hope you still remember the sad and
painful story of late Dr Suleiman Kiggundu who, in a bid to save his
business, had, like Rubaramira, to drive to Rwakitura and pledge never
to stand for president as long as the visionary was still interested in
it.
To allow you receive donor money to run an HIV/Aids NGO in Uganda today, you need clearance from Rwakitura.
For three or more people to congregate
to talk about governance, Gen Kale Kayihura, the inspector general of
police, must issue you with permission.
Unfortunately, the diplomats and civil
society organisations from the developed world, like they have done
elsewhere, have allied with the aggressor.
All the money they send to Uganda,
including what is meant for NGOs like the one of Rubaramira, is
controlled by, under direct influence of, the state.
That is how several key personalities
have given up the struggle for better governance because they want to
serve immediate personal interests. That is how Anne Mugisha abandoned
activism for a job in Somalia.
That is how the late Mzee Eriya Kategaya
turned on his words yet he had told the nation that a Munyankore only
turns in the bed. Therefore, defections have nothing to do with turmoil
in FDC.
In fact, the earlier we resume debate on
serious national issues affecting our lives, the better. And for me I
think we have devoted less time to discuss the newfound love between
presidents Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and Uhuru
Kenyatta (Kenya).
Even a reluctant Burundian President
Pierre Nkurunziza has been conscripted. Together, they are marching us
into an East African political federation without our permission or
participation. I hear the target is to make us one country by 2015 under
one leadership.
There are two possibilities; either
these men will rule us on a rotational basis or elections shall be held
to choose from among themselves. But I, whose share has been eaten by
other people in a small country, will be extremely reluctant to join a
bigger entity especially being crafted by the same fellows.
I know I will be accused of sectarianism
but I will not want Buganda marched into this conglomeration with all
its uncertainties before serious clarifications are made.
Kenyan politics is openly tribal.
Someone needs to tell me how we will fit into this configuration. Many
senior NRM leaders have roots with Rwanda and it will be like a reunion
for them, but what about the rest of us.
Forgive me for being negative and
speculative but I think these fellows are crafting a new ethnic alliance
that will dominate us for many decades to come. I have started thinking
that the recent MoU between Museveni and Buganda was meant to irrigate
this development.
I think you remember a paper that was
authoured by one Capt Bitature on the subject on the directive of Gen
Aronda Nyakairima. Bitature, among other issues, listed Buganda as one
of the roadblocks to an East African political federation that needed to
be sorted out.
You saw how our Kabaka was humiliated
during the Bugerere, Buruuli escapades. The aggressor, all of a sudden,
signs an MoU and begins repaying an old debt. Wasn’t this meant to
silence Buganda, which Bitature identified as a roadblock as we get
marched into a bigger entity where we will automatically lose our voice?
You all know the emergence of the new
business class in Uganda and you know their origin. When we become one,
will your sister or brother become an overnight investor to benefit from
the single monetary policy or it will be Sam Kutesa’s daughter and
other in-laws of big people at State House.
And have you asked yourself why it is Gen Aronda who is the chairman of the political federation fast-tracking committee?
The man has just been appointed as
minister of Internal Affairs. Why is it him that must head the
fast-tracking of the federation? The answer is very simple. These guys
started working on this federation long ago and Aronda even commissioned
research when he was still the army commander/chief of defence forces.
Kenya, with a GDP of over $37 billion,
and a population of 43 million, will automatically dominate Uganda with
36 million people and a $20 billion GDP, Rwanda with 11 million people
and a $8 billion GDP and Burundi with 10 million people and a GDP of
about $3 billion.
I, therefore, think having looted our
country and humiliated the citizens, the ruling group is insulating
itself against the future. Museveni knows he will be the last person in
his family to mess up our country; so, he wants Brig Muhoozi
Kainerugaba, the first son, to become a director in a bigger and new
entity. Let us begin the discussion.
