When people are frustrated – as many Ugandans are – they tend to grab anything that can ease their pain. In these circumstances, many pet projects float around. Those with ideas begin to talk and write. Ideologies fly around using language – like ethnic cleansing – that may please listeners. Some want to go back to the golden past and launch traditional ideologies based on past glory. In an attempt to push their ideas through, they frustrate those with opposing views.
Sadly, this is what has happened to radio munansi. At the beginning of 2011, there were progressive anchor teams as well as listeners. It was hoped the country would be liberated in a short time. But when this didn’t happen disillusionment set in. People with extreme views including secession by military means using mercenaries if necessary to enhance delivery of results entered the debate.
To mobilize support like Hitler and Mussolini these extremists blamed some Ugandans for the suffering of sections of Uganda. They have now succeeded in removing progressive elements. They are now talking of the barrel of the gun as Duncan Kafero emphasized on the radio a few weeks ago as the only solution to Uganda problems. Kafero also admitted having Rwandese (Tutsi) mercenaries in his army. How can Kafero remove a Tutsi-dominated NRM regime by a Tutsi-led opposition army? Take a moment and think about that and tell us how on earth this is going to happen. When people are in too much pain they may over-doze themselves, ending their lives prematurely.
Ipso facto, Ugandans need to pause. Take a deep breath. Say a prayer for proper guidance so we don’t make another mistake. Around the world military means of removing authoritarian governments are declining. Non-violent resistance is in the ascendancy and is producing more results.
To do that requires better organization, discipline, using same message among opposition groups and mounting massive mobilization across the country with capable leaders that are patriotic and put national interests before their own. Secession and military invasion as alternatives should be avoided as chances of success are remote, besides being very costly. Secession has been tried and failed. Military governments have made matters worse.
Ugandans need also to understand who these people pushing for secession and military solutions are. You are urged to do your home work and stop taking things at face value.