Using satire and humour to evoke better service delivery

Although satire is usually meant to be humorous, its greater purpose is often constructive social criticism, using wit to draw attention to both particular and wider issues in society.  In which vices, follies, abuses, and shortcomings are held up to ridicule, often with the intent of exposing or shaming the perceived flaws of individuals, corporations, government, or society itself into improvement.

The rules of satire are such that ” it must do more than make you laugh. No matter how amusing it is, it doesn’t count unless you find yourself wincing a little even as you chuckle”

Humor and satire can be employed to reach various objectives in support of your cause, such as attracting attention and interest from the public and media, breaking the ice with supporters and allies, reducing fear and anxiety among participants and potential recruits, creating a positive and enjoyable atmosphere for events and campaigns, disarming and mocking opponents and their arguments, exposing the absurdity of the dominant system and its institutions, and inspiring hope for change and alternatives.

Humor and satire can be utilized to make a point, deliver a message, and provoke a reaction. When using these techniques, it’s important to consider your audience, purpose, tone, and format.

For instance, who are you trying to reach and influence? What do they care about? What do you want to achieve with your humor and satire? Do you want to use words, images, sounds, or actions? Additionally, how do you want to express your humor and satire – subtly or blatantly, friendly or hostile, witty or sarcastic, playful or serious? Answering these questions can help you create effective humor and satire that resonates with your audience.

The ongoing banana tree planting in potholes across the country only illustrates the dissatisfaction of the community who are burdened with paying heavy taxes and don’t receive proper services. In a city filled with potholes left, right, and centre. Spending lots of hours maneuvering through the city and putting drivers in a spot to exercise their driving skills by dodging potholes, is not what an obliging taxpayer can expect. Therefore Planting banana trees in the potholes only makes it visible and a reminder to the government to fully follow its mandatory obligations not only for the speaker’s convention but for the good of the nation.

Let’s not forget, that when the popular inventor of the exhibition challenge, Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo orchestrated the rouges and impunities in different sectors, at least there was an overhaul and improvement in some sectors like roads, health, etc..

Improving a few parts around Munyonyo and Serena for the NAM and G-77 summits only gives the community the enthusiasm to depict more satirical illustrations. While these banana planting brings a smile to people’s faces, they also highlight the absurdity of the situation. People love to see all parts of the city convenient for the community after all It’s their money and indeed have to be kept in the know of how their money is spent.

In a televised interview with NTV’s Patrick Kamara, on 18th Jan 2024, The Ugandan prime minister, the Rt. Hon Robinah Nabbanja refuted claims that the city is in a bad state and seems not to see these potholes, perhaps because she travels in posh cars.

However literally to our understanding and viewing, besides the NAM and G-77 summit, the city pothole needs urgent attention as evidenced by your selves. Nevertheless, the satirical illustrations wouldn’t be happening if the city was in good shape.

Let’s embrace satire and humour, together if we do so, we shall end up with our thoughts and ideas recognised. The responsible and those in Power will feel the urge to exhibit their mandatory responsibilities.