Tag Archives: isn

Muzzling the messenger isn’t a solution to Uganda problems

When I chose to write about Uganda and the Great Lakes region, I was fully aware of the challenges and risks ahead. I may not even live long enough to see the ultimate fruits of this effort. Some friends concerned about my life are suggesting that I go slowly or drop activism altogether. Some are advising that I am losing the popularity I have built up because I am telling too much truth and embarrassing some people or relatives and friends in the process, preferring instead a private approach. But doctoring the truth and writing or saying what people want to hear wouldn’t be me! Those who agree with what I stand for join with me and UDU which has great potential because it is anchored on facts, a clear inclusive mission and action-oriented recommendations for rapid economic growth, equity, good governance and sustainable development.

History is changed not by large numbers per se but by dedicated few. And what we want above all else is to change Uganda for the better and for all Ugandans – repeat – all Ugandans which I mean from the bottom of my heart. People who know me even in a short time have witnessed how generous I am for example in helping people solve their problems where others had refused to extend a helping hand.

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No Ugandan will be left behind

As Secretary-General of United Democratic Ugandans (UDU) I have received comments about the work we are doing which is appreciated. The National Recovery Plan (NRP) has received high marks as a comprehensive, well thought-out and balanced document with clear action-oriented recommendations. But some Ugandans wonder whether or not this isn’t going to be another document that will be discarded like the ten-point program or benefit a few people. The NPR unlike the ten point program (TPP) will not be discarded. Instead, it will survive and serve everyone for the following reasons.

First, the ten point program though ideally excellent was written out of context of what was happening in the early 1980s. It did not fit into the global neo-liberal development model of structural adjustment that began in the early 1980s. To get international assistance which NRM needed very badly governments had to meet the requirements of structural adjustment program (SAP) which conflicted with those of TPP, causing the TPP to be discarded. The NRP has been written within the context of the new development model of public and private partnership that replaced the neoliberal model in 2009.

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No Ugandan will be left behind

As Secretary-General of United Democratic Ugandans (UDU) I have received comments about the work we are doing which is appreciated. The National Recovery Plan (NRP) has received high marks as a comprehensive, well thought-out and balanced document with clear action-oriented recommendations. But some Ugandans wonder whether or not this isn’t going to be another document that will be discarded like the ten-point program or benefit a few people. The NPR unlike the ten point program (TPP) will not be discarded. Instead, it will survive and serve everyone for the following reasons.

First, the ten point program though ideally excellent was written out of context of what was happening in the early 1980s. It did not fit into the global neo-liberal development model of structural adjustment that began in the early 1980s. To get international assistance which NRM needed very badly governments had to meet the requirements of structural adjustment program (SAP) which conflicted with those of TPP, causing the TPP to be discarded. The NRP has been written within the context of the new development model of public and private partnership that replaced the neoliberal model in 2009.

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