Today, February 13 is the day for the second and last presidential debate. This debate marks an important step in the democratization process in the country, never mind the gains made so far.
Over the past four months, the country has been involved in electioneering, with campaigns kicking off on November 4, after nomination of the respective candidates.
However, despite some level of maturity exhibited by most of the contestants, there have been sporadic incidences of shame and scare, including isolated cases of violence. Indeed, to date one Christopher Aine is reportedly missing, following police pursuit after he allegedly indulged in electoral violence. This is something regrettable, made worse by the fact that his father sacrificed his life in an effort to liberate this country.
Uganda’s post-Independence history is laced with tales of turmoil. It is those tales of macabre behavior by the leaders that inform the basis for why four of today’s debaters have a history of resisting bad governance and oppression.
General Yoweri Museveni, Colonel Kizza Besigye John Patrick Amama Mbabazi and Major General Benon Biraro have all been part of military efforts to return this country to sanity. It is possibly still premature to know how far the country has come in that respect, but the country cannot forget that the four are part of a group of disgruntled Ugandans who went to the bush in the early 80s to fight against the purported rigging of elections.
However today, 35 years later, the country is still grappling with the challenge of holding an election that is not contested, and this should be sorted out if this country is to make any meaningful progress.
It is worth mention that the Independent Electoral Commission is duty bound to organize and conduct a free, fair and credible election. Anything short of that means the IEC has failed in its responsibility towards Uganda’s democratization process.
Lastly, as the campaigns come to an end, it is worth wishing all the contestants luck in their pursuit to lead the people of Uganda, come February 18. To the victor, you owe all Ugandans responsible leadership. To the losers, there is always another opportunity to serve Ugandans in a different capacity.
May you all have a peaceful and credible vote.
For God and our Country.
Time to strengthen democratic gains
