The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
The social media shutdown, the detention of opposition figures, the harassment of media – all of these things combined with the poor organization of the election have weakened Uganda’s democracy and tarnished Uganda’s image as a strong democracy in a turbulent region.
We understand any government’s need to provide security, and Uganda has sadly known its share of threats both from inside and outside its borders. At the same time, the government has a responsibility to protect and preserve the basic freedoms of citizens. These rights are guaranteed in Uganda’s laws and constitution, and the government should not sacrifice these rights in the name of stability.
In a healthy and democratic society, the people, the press, and the opposition are not the enemy. An open political process and citizen participation in government strengthens a country, and a country that does not respect the rights and freedoms of its own people can never be truly secure.
I realize some of you might consider comments like these as “interference.” Let me reiterate, however, what we have said before: We respect the sovereignty of the government of Uganda, and we do not support any one individual or political party.
We have spoken out because we believe that the Ugandan people deserve to live in a country where every voice is heard and matters. That can only happen when citizens have a say in how their country is governed. It can only happen when government is held accountable. It is the democratic process that we support.
So where does that leave us after the elections? There are, I’m afraid, no easy answers.
For our part, the United States cannot ignore actions that shrink Uganda’s political space and restrict freedoms of expression and assembly. Our relationship with the Government of Uganda must be based on a shared respect for democratic values. That is the only way that it can grow.
But the United States is not going to walk away from the Ugandan people, especially its youth. We will continue to work with you to help build the kind of country you want to see. We have invested, and will continue to invest, in the health, education, and livelihoods of all Ugandans. We do this because such investments are critical to your futures.
Let me give you just a few examples of what this looks like. Just last week, we launched a literacy project to deliver more than 1.5 million books in English and local languages to Ugandan schoolchildren. Two weeks ago we awarded grants to three promising young Ugandan entrepreneurs to continue their work in renewable energy. And today, we are finishing the application process for a new program for young agripreneurs to help build and grow their businesses.
These initiatives will continue to benefit the Ugandan people. Our assistance, I must emphasize, goes directly to people and organizations in the field, not the government. The United States does not provide direct assistance to the government – for its budget, salaries, or other services.
We adopt this stance because we believe in the people, and believe our investments must go to Ugandans themselves. We have also noted significant problems with the government’s management of funds, particularly in the health sector. Last month’s shocking Global Fund audit documented – and not for the first time – millions of dollars wasted, missing, or unspent. This money should have gone to provide Ugandans life-saving medicines for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, malaria and tuberculosis. As a result of this mismanagement, many Ugandans will not receive these needed drugs.
Beyond just this audit, Ugandan experts have reported the numerous health crises facing the country’s children – stunting, malnutrition, and sexual abuse in schools. Nearly 20 percent of Ugandans have never attended school, and nearly a quarter go hungry every day.
These are not just abstract statistics. These figures represent lives that deserve better futures, better services, and better treatment from their leaders. A stronger democracy, and a government that is accountable to its people, will create an environment where all Ugandans can thrive.
The changes you want to see in Uganda can only come about through the hard work and dedication of people like you. I know many of you feel your voices don’t matter.
But I want you all to know this: The future of this country is not lost. It belongs to you, and you have the power to decide what kind of country Uganda will be.
Miria Matembe lies like a fisherman. Let her produce evidence that the 9 Supreme Court Judges were all fools and also that she is more credible or more honest than all of them.
I think she should eat humble pie.
Ms Malac, a look at one Charles Rwomushana – much respected by US/EU embassies here – may give you some insight into our elite. He produced a photo of a dead man claiming it was of the Christopher Aine who just resurfaced in Uganda. Rwomushana wept during a TV talk show, uttering innuendoes that Museveni had a hand in Aine’s death.
Look at Museveni’s ‘loss’ to Besigye in the recent poll the very way you look at the Christopher Aine saga. Know that our Supreme Court has merit, its judges are faultless. And Uganda’s only fault is that the Americas of this World must look down on it as they prepare to steal its wealth.
Ms Malac, you state; ‘These rights are guaranteed in Uganda’s laws, and the government should not sacrifice them in the name of stability’. You are stating that stability is subordinate to individual’s interests especially when it is known that your state Department summoned this individual to London and tried to cajole him into vacating political space for your blue-eyed boy Mbabazi!
This statement is a clear indicator of your country’s ulterior intentions toward poor African states.
You’re simply saying; “sacrifice the stability of your country for the comfort of the individual we (Americans) are hobnobbing with – or you will see what we shall do to you’!
In your wisdom, one citizen’s interests/rights overwhelmingly eclipse those of us the rest – as long as this takes place in puny Africa.
If you are correct, why did your FBI so decisively attack and flatten (pulverize) David Koresh’s (Davidian religious sect) camp killing the thousands of ‘innocent’ souls whimpering away therein?
Do not be (mis)used by my fellow Ugandan elite. You’ll soon learn that they follow their emotions and never reason when they want attention (so as to visit your country for ever).