Many that watch the NBS Frontline show may be familiar with Nobert Mao’s quips that often attack the intellect. It’s an indisputable fact that he is one of the brightest Ugandan political minds of this century. Yet, while reigning over the Democratic Party (DP), so much of his administrative ineptitude has been exposed. Inability to engage reality is a flaw common to all philosophical minds.
The mighty DP has fallen so far as to be pleased with filling only 9 of the 498 direct elective seats in Parliament. The party president noted that should DP fail to get at least 15 seats, he would resign. Should Mao elect to remain as party president, he ought to see Museveni when he looks in the mirror. Nevertheless, he is only an appetizer to the topic herein.
In the tenth parliament, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) had 38 seats – the majority opposition seats. In this eleventh parliament, National Unity Platform (NUP) shall have the majority opposition seats amounting to 61; quite the statement!Though incomparable to NRM’s 316 seats, that impact of NUP’s performance on the composition of parliament is indicative of an east wind for NRM. The blast will leave few erect in that party; 2021 was the Tropical wave!
As witty ones may know, the inspiration that was caused by NUP was built on being genuine, especially the party president. Little may be known of the alignment of ideologies and motivation within the party inner circle.
The populace cares not for wits and ploys; it cares not for what is said; not so much as how it is said. Looking into Kyagulanyi’s speeches reveals damning similarities between his statements and those of the Doctor. It appears that the path Kyagulanyi and his party now march may lead them to a similar destination in Uganda’s political theatre as that of his predecessor.
The next ten years are very crucial for Kyagulanyi. His loss carries a heavier responsibility for him than Museveni has from his victory. I may say here – risking ridicule – that unless something drastic befalls this nation, Kyagulanyi will lose the 2026 Presidential elections. It is my view that NUP should be a formidable threat to the NRM in 2031. Thus, the next decade will make or break Kyagulanyi. His relevance in that year shall be determined by NUP’s performance on all fronts.
It is imperative that he should, in the near future, devise another strategy besides relying on being victimized. The Doctor’s story reflects how tiresome that gets for the public. He must endeavour to formulate a far-reaching tactic that will keep his party worthwhile for all stakeholders.
Therefore, it is important for NUP to engage real developmental projects. Vigorous debate against unfair government policy, though pertinent, will not suffice. Also, the party ought to avoid heavy indulgence of the international community. Even a jester would know that foreign interference is as dreaded as it is hated. Also, Biden’s administration will be difficult to keep out; his America looks to enjoy dipping its nose in everyone’s business. As such, Kyagulanyi must endeavour to resist that temptress; lest he fastens the chains about him!
Simply, NUP must utilise it’s 61 parliamentary seats and 41 Council seats to establish dominance as the leading opposition. It must create a challenge for the ruling party in parliament and be the driving force of development in the city. Kyagulanyi must utilise this time to keep his house in order to deter a fate similar to that of DP. Adulterous men must know their mistresses to be disloyal; any apprehension to the contrary is detrimental!
Kyagulanyi now faces the challenge that many a party president has. He must fight to keep command and remain relevant without having access to the platform he had in 2018. Now, his administrative skills are put to the test. Vulnerability and public tantrums are ineffective as long-term political tools. Much as his purity is a good quality, he now has to play politics; deception and perception are key! Lessons must be learned from history! Kyagulanyi has not been subjected to anything new; whatever is done to him was done to the Doctor. Now, it is about how he plays the hand he is dealt – for, he must play it. Yet, Ugandans make for an immature lover; they get easily bored, snort excitement like cocaine and ecstatically search for intrigue elsewhere.
Notably, Kyagulanyi was able to convince us that he wants what we want. This outlook must be maintained. Nevertheless, NUP must keep the electors engaged for a whole decade. It is possible that in 2031; UPC will be unheard of, DP following on that path, FDC becoming as irrelevant then as DP is today and NUP will be the FDC of the past two decades. NUP therefore, must be stronger.
Author Profile
- Joel Kenneth Ndawula is a Student of Law at Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi. He is an inspired writer, the editor and author here; a blogger of sorts.
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