By Daglous Bakinyumya
Uganda’s political landscape has always been a complex, but recent events paint an even darker picture of governance overshadowed by a rising tide of what can only be described as raucous politics —a chaotic blend of power struggles, institutional manipulation, and a blatant disregard for democratic principles.
The hunger strike by opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, the abduction of a National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, the dramatic twists in the Kawempe North by-election, the farcical nature of the latest cabinet, and the Chief of Defence Forces’ (CDF) controversial tweets all point to a country teetering on the edge of institutional collapse.
A Nation in Cry: Governance or Political Gamesmanship?
Ugandans have long struggled under a governance system where politics takes precedence over service delivery and accountability. However, the latest sequence of events raises a critical question: Is Uganda still being governed, or has politics become the only institution that matters?
Besigye’s hunger strike is a bold yet painful reminder of the discontent boiling beneath Uganda’s political surface. His act of defiance is not merely personal; it echoes the cries of many Ugandans suffering under economic hardship and political suppression. Meanwhile, the continued abduction of opposition figures exposes a dangerous precedent—where the state, rather than serving its people, sees them as threats to be eliminated. If political opponents can vanish without accountability, what does that say about the rule of law?
The drama surrounding the Kawempe North by-election is yet another indicator of the crumbling democratic process. Elections should be the bedrock of representative governance, yet they are increasingly marred by manipulation, intimidation, and violence. How can Ugandans trust the electoral process when it is treated as a battleground rather than a democratic exercise?
The Comic Cabinet and CDF’s Tweets: A Leadership in Crisis
The unveiling of Uganda’s latest cabinet has been met with widespread disbelief, as unqualified individuals are rewarded with positions of national importance. Governance should not be reduced to a circus where competence is an afterthought. When mediocrity takes the reins, national progress stalls, and citizens bear the brunt of poor leadership.
Adding to the governance dilemma, the CDF’s recent tweets have stirred controversy, bringing the military into an already volatile political discourse. In a functional democracy, security forces must remain apolitical and professional. However, when military leadership begins to engage in political rhetoric, it raises fears of undue influence in civilian affairs, further blurring the line between governance and authoritarianism.
The Cost to the Public: Who Pays the Price?
The Ugandan public stands to lose the most from these power struggles. Raucous politics is not just a threat to democracy—it is a direct attack on the livelihoods, rights, and freedoms of the people. The increasing friction between the judiciary, executive, and parliament only creates room for excuses, delaying meaningful reforms and service delivery. Instead of governing with the people’s interests at heart, the state appears more focused on consolidating power and suppressing dissent.
Ugandans must ask: How long can we endure a system where institutions meant to serve us are weaponized against us? The tug-of-war between governance and politics is not just an elite problem; it is a national crisis with far-reaching consequences. If left unchecked, it could dismantle the very fabric of Ugandan democracy, leaving the people at the mercy of unchecked power.
The consequences are dire. Public services continue to deteriorate as resources are funneled into political battles rather than addressing key issues like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Corruption thrives under such circumstances, allowing a select few to amass wealth while ordinary citizens bear the economic burden. The divide between the ruling elite and the struggling masses grows wider, setting the stage for greater unrest and disillusionment with the political system.
A Call for Action
The way forward is clear: Uganda must reclaim its governance from the grip of raucous politics. Institutions must function independently, opposition voices must be respected, and elections must serve as the true voice of the people. The judiciary, executive, and parliament must work for national stability rather than political supremacy.
Political maturity and genuine leadership are needed now more than ever. Ugandans must demand accountability at all levels, using civic engagement, media advocacy, and legal channels to push for reforms. Civil society organizations, religious leaders, and intellectuals must unite in urging transparency, fairness, and justice. Uganda’s youth, who represent the nation’s future, must not be passive spectators but active participants in shaping a better governance system.
Ugandans cannot afford to be silent spectators. The cost of silence is too high. If governance remains in the shadow of chaotic politics, the future will be one of continued oppression, economic stagnation, and social unrest. The time to demand accountability is now. Will Uganda rise to the challenge, or will we watch as democracy is suffocated under the weight of power-hungry politics?
Mr. Daglous Bakinyumya is a Senior Political TV Producer and TV Host
