By Dr Mutumba John
I wish to comment on Mary karooro Okurut’s article, “Museveni deserves another ‘kisanja’” published on Tuesday. Karooro’s article was on President Museven’s second year in office since the amendment of the constitution scrapping presidential term limits. Her article raises fundamental questions about our mentality as Africans and more particularly as Ugandans.
It also reminds me of my days in high school at St. Mary’s College Kisubi and Kololo SS. Karooro states that the best reward for a job well done is the opportunity to do it again. she goes on to assert that the people of Uganda have given President Museven another five years in power because of his service thus far. Personally, I am not against another kisanja for President Museveni nor do I disagree with the numerous achievements Karooro outlined.
What I disagree with is what she seems to insinuate that it is the people of Uganda who have appraised the President and have collectively come to the conclusion that he should be given another five years in office. Can Karooro tell us the appraisal method?
Under what terms of reference was she appraising the President? Are the achievements she is talking about attributable to one person or the Government of the Republic of Uganda? Surely, is it true that we Ugandans have played no part in taking our country where it is now? Were all these accomplishments done by ‘the son of Kaguta’ alone or the NRM Government and the men who fought in Luwero?.
At least I know I have, in one way or another, contributed to Uganda’s achievements. When I went to Kisubi, I realised that I was contending with the cream of Uganda. At Kololo I was always first or second but at Kisubi I was 15th in a class of 24 in the first term! In conclusion, one will never know his or her potential unless tested along the best in the country, with genuine competition, when the appraiser is independent.
Fortunately, we don’t have to appraise our President through the tummy. we will have the opportunity to use our brains at the ballot box. at least that is what our constitution says.
1 comment:
I would like Dr. Mutumba to know that the President has been appraised by the people of Uganda, three times! Karooro is giving her appraisal of the President as a person. In 2011, if NRM decides to front Mr. Museveni again, the people will again have another chance to appraise his performance.
Dr. Mutumba should also be aware that in this world, there are people who play roles that are more significant than others! There are people whose actions can significantly affect the lives of a significant number of people! Such people because of their position in society are not judged by the same standards as some of us! Yes, I have had lots of input in the Uganda we now have but my actions or inactions, commissions or omissions only affect a small group of people (probably family and friends)!
The acts of commission or omission of Museveni have had far reaching impact on the lives of numerous Ugandans! That is why Dr. Mutumba cannot rate his contribution on the same level as that of Museveni! That is why, people can attribute the turning around of Uganda to Museveni and not to me, although I have played a role!
There is a CEO who was shown on television and was being praised for having turned around the fortunes of Mitsubishi! I am sure there are many engineers in Mitsubishi, but why did this interview attribute the success of Mitsibishi to this CEO?
God Bless Uganda
Rogers Mataka
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