Since
1981 – apart from a brief period between 1985 and April 1987 when the World
Bank and IMF withdrew support for economic and human rights considerations –
Uganda’s economy has been directed by the donor community especially the World
Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) and individuals like Lynda Chalker,
working with a carefully selected team of national managers particularly in the
ministry of finance and central bank.
This
period has been dominated by structural adjustment programs or the Washington
Consensus which was fully embraced by government with a focus on inflation
control, economic growth and export diversification under market forces and
individual freedom.
Since
the 1980s,
the economy would collapse. The donors have taken advantage of this admission to
dominate the economy in ways that have created serious social and environmental
consequences.
After
nearly 30 years, a representative of the IMF has finally admitted that his
organization and the World Bank have been giving wrong advice (Daily Monitor
2008
commended for his bold and frank statement which is a mark of maturity, wisdom
and willingness to take corrective measures. Our national authorities should also
admit that the policies have not worked as expected and open a new chapter in
relations with development partners. The Washington Consensus has been
abandoned. Public and private partnership is the new buzz word.
The
donors need to be told – politely – that that they also need
during negotiations in international conferences.
beauty and other endowments – should be utilized as a negotiating tool to
extract benefits for our people. To achieve this goal,
First,
we need to establish our national interests very clearly and garner public
support for their implementation. This is even more important in the next two
years when
and peace around the world are debated.
Second,
we need to sharpen our negotiating skills and improve our understanding of
current issues – political, human rights, economic, social and environmental –
and more importantly their inter-linkages. In view of the deteriorating economic and
financial situation the rules of the game are changing. The tools we have used
since 1981 are being replaced by those of economic regulation and state
intervention.
My
career has enabled me to serve in and visit places like
me to watch closely the performance of
performance has not measured up to the task in part because they lack enabling
environment like adequate support and guidance from the capital.
Third,
However, many times, professionals are employed in areas where they are not
qualified which undermines their contribution. Success in one ministry does not
automatically guarantee success in another.
Fourth,
it is important that when serious matters are being discussed at international
conferences, mission staff needs to be supplemented by experienced and senior
staff with authority to take decisions. Junior staff members often evade
commenting or taking decisions for fear that a mistake could land them into
trouble especially when they did not get clear instructions from the capital.
Fifth
and last, there is a pool of experienced Ugandans around the world who have
been involved in international conferences and intergovernmental work including
the Security Council. Our national interests would be better served by calling
on them to make a contribution from time to time.