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Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine (C) greets the crowd as he arrives for the Zimbabwean opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), in Gweru, Zimbabwe, on May 25, 2019. Photo: EPA-EFE / AARON UFUMELI
We cannot allow these acts of intimidation to affect us. The day after the assault I resumed my campaign, wearing a bulletproof vest and protective helmet.
First published in the weekly Daily Maverick 168.
Uganda has been presented as a model for what is described as “stability” in eastern and central Africa, regions where it is rare.
In fact, the country was once a model of democracy and stability. But the former has steadily worn down by more than three decades of Yoweri Museveni’s less and less tolerant rule; The latter is important because a stable and relatively conflict-free Uganda is a platform for peace and security in the troubled region. That stability is threatened, not by the long list of external actors that have threatened Uganda over the past three decades, but from within.
As Uganda heads into the January 14 elections, the security forces have openly begun to engage in the violent repression of the opposition and, more recently, have fired at a vehicle in which he was traveling. Dan Magic, my producer and a member of my campaign team, was injured in the incident.
In a Washington Post article, Jeffrey Smith of the nonprofit Vanguard Africa said: “The gory images and video from the scene are chilling. They remain shocking even after nearly three years of relentless attacks on the largest pro-democracy movement in Ugandan postcolonial history. Having the audacity to run for political office shouldn’t be tantamount to a death sentence. Sadly, in Uganda this appears to be the case. “
We cannot allow these acts of intimidation to affect us. One day after the assault, I resumed my campaign, wearing a bulletproof vest and protective helmet. Imagine that. A candidate who must wear the protective clothing that security forces wear in war zones to protect themselves.
I said on Twitter: “Even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because the Lord is with me!”
Uganda faces a breakdown of order as security forces use the Covid-19 pandemic as a justification for cracking down on opposition campaigns. The same rules do not apply to the ruling party, which continues with massive public appearances.
This is because we have been more successful than most imagined. We have drawn large crowds from all over the country as young people, who make up more than 70% of the population, demand change and a better life.
The security forces are behaving as they are because they realize that the reign of Museveni is threatened. If they continue, they will further delegitimize the elections and cause Uganda to implode, threatening the stability of the region.
This scenario is becoming more and more likely as Museveni adopts chilling rhetoric.
While admitting that 54 people had been killed by security forces during recent protests, he nevertheless insisted that opposition protesters had sparked action by assaulting their supporters.
He said: “In the book of Romans chapter one, verse 32, it says: ‘Who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things deserve death, not only do the same, but also approve of the who practice them. ‘
Museveni, who was once fondly regarded for his overthrow of the undemocratic regime that ruled until 1986, said after taking office: “This is not a mere changing of the guard, it is a fundamental change. The people of Africa, the people of Uganda, have the right to a democratic government. It is not a favor of any regime. The sovereign people must be the public, not the government.
We are simply taking him at his word and we are trying to participate in the democratic process to produce a legitimate, free and fair result. That is why they brand us as criminals.
Museveni, now in his 70s and without a clear succession strategy, is destroying his legacy and will be remembered as another aging despot who clung to power for too long unless he stops this aggressive approach and embraces democracy.
The United States, which has been an ally of Uganda, providing assistance of more than $ 970 million a year, has begun to voice its doubts.
The State Department said in a fact sheet published in December last year: “Under Museveni, Uganda experienced relative political stability and economic growth. Uganda faces numerous challenges, however, that could affect future stability, including explosive population growth, energy and infrastructure limitations, corruption, underdeveloped democratic institutions and human rights deficits.
We witness these “human rights deficits” every day, as our supporters are attacked, killed and arrested for no reason.
We call on the African Union and its current President, Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as the US State Department, the European Union and others interested in the well-being of Uganda to intervene now to ensure free elections. and fair.
This is urgent because, in our opinion, we are already under a very brutal government, perhaps worse than that of Uganda’s predecessors. DM168
This is an opinion piece by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known by his stage name Bobi Wine, who is a Ugandan politician, singer, actor and businessman.
You can get your copy of DM168 at these Pick n Pay stories.
