By Odeke Bazel
Uganda’s political landscape has undergone a stark transformation since the country’s liberation from colonial rule. The once-noble pursuit of independence and self-determination has given way to a lucrative venture, where political parties prioritize personal gain and wealth accumulation over public service and the people’s interests. This transformation is rooted in the early days of Uganda’s political history when the first political parties emerged…
The first political parties, UPC and DP, emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, united in their quest for independence, but soon fractured along ideological lines like a broken mirror reflecting shattered dreams. This fragmentation has led to a proliferation of parties, each with its own narrow interests, making it difficult to achieve consensus and progress.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM), led by Yoweri Museveni, came to power in 1986 promising liberation and democracy. However, it has evolved into an authoritarian regime, suppressing opposition and maintaining power through patronage and manipulation. Museveni’s grip on power has become a stranglehold, suffocating dissent and opposition.
Museveni’s chilling statement, “There will be no opposition in Uganda in five years’ time,” embodies the party’s stance on opposition and democracy, showcasing a blatant disregard for democratic principles. This raises questions about where we went wrong and how political parties evolved from liberation movements to lucrative ventures. The answer lies in the corrupting influence of power and the failure of internal democracy.
Today, Uganda’s political party system has devolved into a lucrative business, where personal interests and external influences reign supreme. Politicians amass wealth through embezzlement, bribery, corruption, illegal land grabs, cronyism, and nepotism. It’s a game of musical chairs, where politicians switch parties and allegiances in search of the next big payday.
The recent proliferation of political parties, with 33 registered parties, highlights the deep-seated divisions and internal power struggles. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) itself is grappling with internal strife, including factionalism fueled by allegations of dirty money and corruption. Similarly, the National Unity Platform (NUP) has been rocked by the MPuga saga, sparking controversy and allegations of corruption. Additionally, new parties like the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) are emerging, having applied for reservation of names and symbols, further indicating the fluid and dynamic nature of Uganda’s political landscape.
Moreover, to garner funding and sympathy, political party leaders cry out for international attention, sharing tales of woe and painting a picture of a country on the brink of collapse. They promise transformation and democracy but fail to deliver. Instead, they resort to using the people as collateral for their wealth, exploiting their struggles and suffering to lobby for personal gain, rather than genuinely working to address their needs and improve their lives. It’s a classic case of “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” where politicians don the garb of democracy while perpetuating authoritarianism.
Uganda’s political parties must rethink their priorities, putting the people’s interests above personal gain and power struggles. This requires a fundamental transformation, one that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and internal democracy. By doing so, political parties can regain the trust of citizens and work towards a brighter future for Uganda.
In conclusion, Uganda’s political party system has become a shadow of its former self, prioritizing personal gain over public service. To restore the system to its original purpose, radical change is necessary. This requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and internal democracy. Only then can Uganda’s political parties truly serve the people and build a brighter future for the country.
The Author is a Researcher Political Commentator and Social Worker
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