By Geoffrey Bwayo Bulambuli
The proverb “it is survival, not bravery that makes a man climb a thorny tree” aptly describes the current National Resistance Movement (NRM) party leadership dynamics in Eastern Uganda.
The quest for representation in NRM party is indeed a thorny path for the Bamasaaba over the years. Despite their significant contributions to the country’s development, particularly in coffee production, there is a general feeling of marginalization and suppression from climbing the leadership ladder. The recent incident in Bulambuli, where local leaders were overshadowed by Hon. Mike Mukula during President Museveni’s visit at Nabbongo, highlights the need to assert their rightful place.
The region’s Party leadership landscape is marked by a greedy struggle for power, with Hon. Annet Anita Among, the current Parliament Speaker is seeking to dethrone Rebecca Kadaga as 2nd National Vice Chairperson – female, while the rest are watching to maintain the status quo as if nothing is happening.
The NRM party leadership comprises various positions, with H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the National Chairperson, Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo as the 1st National Vice Chairman, and Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga as the 2nd National Vice Chairperson – Female.
However, in Eastern Uganda, particularly in the Bugisu region, there’s a growing sentiment that there is literally no place for the gishu. Hon Mukula, the current Vice Chairperson for the Eastern Region, was spot on for not-only overshadowing hosting leaders in a recent incident where President Museveni visited Bulambuli to respond to issues raised over the mudslides in Bulambuli, but also failed to return the Umukuka’s pajero car that he reached out to help repair. At this function, Hon. Irene Muloni shamefully participated as an interpreter.
This act implied a disregard for our efforts and a lack of respect for our role as leaders. For us who were present, he was dismissive and unappreciative that did not only damage our reputation but also our relationship with the president and significant others. In gishu culture, hospitality is highly valued, and this deliberate attempt to overshadow us left many bleeding in their hearts.
But why all this? Is it a pointer to one wielding power?
Historically, Bugisu region played a pivotal role in Uganda’s independence and economic development. However, the region has lost its prominence, with other communities dominating key positions. For instance, Speaker Anita Among holds a significant office that has seen many Teso Mps secure significant positions in various committees within Parliament. Hon. Jessica Alupo also from Teso region is the Vice President of Uganda. Others include Gen Abubaker Jeje Odong, Minister for foreign Affairs, Sidronius Opolot Okaasai, Minister of State for Energy, Hellen Adoa, Minister of State for Fisheries, Frnacis Musa Ecweru, Minister of State for Works, Peter Ogwang, Minister of State for Sports, and Hellen Asamo, Minister of State for Disability. Our only State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Hon. Nambozo and Hon Gidudu pales in comparison with these.
The creation and sustenance of Ministry for Teso Affairs also raise concerns. The creation of ministry for specific regions often reflects partly the government’s priorities and responses to challenges. The absence of a specific ministry for Bugisu affairs is not that Bugisu region is not facing the same level of challenges as Karamoja, or Teso, but suggests that representation and influence within the government is lacking. This reflects the complex interplay of representational politics of development needs.
This over representation while underrepresenting others is evident, there is power to show faith and belief in the children and sons of the soil – “ishili ikana yo wowo” (meaning relatives belong to one family and depend on it for their well-being). Hon. Mike Mukula has indeed served the Teso region diligently as the NRM Vice Chairman, working tirelessly for his kin and kith. So he should be helped to say good bye and give Bamasaaba chance to also help selves.
The party’s leadership structure offers opportunities. By actively participating in the party’s decision-making processes, lobbying for anything is just a piece of cake.
The Bamasaaba should rise up and also roar in this coming party elections. This call to action is not about undermining others but about claiming our rightful space in Uganda’s leadership landscape. The NRM’s history and ideology emphasize the importance of inclusivity, nationalism, and patriotism. Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo’s tactical changes in mobilization are indeed an energizer to our quest. And the NRM’s emphasis on inclusivity, nationalism, and patriotism provides a foundation for this quest.
I urge youthful Bamasaaba leaders to seize the opportunity to lead within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party by vying for the Vice Chairperson position Eastern Region, currently held by Hon. Mike Mukula. This role is crucial in representing the region’s interests and contributing to the party’s decision-making process.
As Vice Chairperson, you will collaborate with the National Chairperson and other party leaders to advance the interests of the Eastern Region. You will contribute to initiating policies and measures to be considered by the National Conference and monitor and evaluate the implementation of party programs and performance of party organs. Together, we must come together to break down barriers and assert our rightful place in Uganda’s leadership, ensuring our voices are heard and interests represented.
By taking up this challenge, Bamasaba through their party structures leaders can assert their rights, claim their space in Uganda’s leadership landscape, and drive progress and development in the region. They can influence party decisions, amplify regional voices, and develop leadership skills.
In conclusion, the thorny path to leadership in Uganda’s NRM party requires the gishu to assert their rights and claim their space. It’s time for us to take our positions of leadership and ensure our voices are heard. By doing so, we can contribute to development of our communities leveraging the party’s strengths and ideologies to drive progress and development in Uganda.
The writer is a key opinion leader in the Elgon Zone. Tel/Whatsaap. +256762589133
Have An Advert Or Article You Want Us To Publish? Email: swiftnewsug@gmail.com
