The days when State House was open to all
Joseph Ochieno
Memories
Dear Mr Obote, on this day only recently I would have emailed this note to you
at Lusaka. On this day only recently, you would have received many phone calls
and guests. On this day those days, the gates at State House Entebbe would be
opened to all Ugandans celebrating the founding of a new nation. But in these
days of 'fundamental change' it is for 'liberators' and 'historicals' only.
Did you get it that badly wrong in government? Mr Obote, as I went to Church
last Sunday with Uganda's independence in mind, I was privileged to receive a
lesson on 'failure' by the lead preacher. On this day in 1962, you brought all
nationalities of Uganda to be part of a new nation. With Sir Edward Mutesa, UPC
and KY formed a coalition government.
It is claimed you failed to make it work! In 1963, you supported the election
of Sir Edward as Uganda's titular president. It is claimed you failed to
support DP's candidate.
In 1964, you ensured the referendum on the lost counties was held. It is
claimed that you failed to influence the results for a different outcome. In
1965, while on a tour of West Nile, there was a planned coup and assignation
attempt on your life. It is claimed that you failed to deal with the plotters
ruthlessly like revolutionaries do.
By 1966 unfortunately, the relationship between central government and Buganda
came to a halt. A police incident (later army) at Mengo got out of control and
lead to unfortunate exile of your friend, the Kabaka. It is claimed you failed
to resolve it amicably.
Mr Obote, I know you have ma de public pronouncements regretting these
incidents. I know your party and our new president Mama Miria have both
apologised and that we should move on, but it is claimed that you failed to
make it loud, clear and early enough.
You went to the Commonwealth Conference in Singapore in 1971 in order to push
for South Africa and Zimbabwe's cases against the British supported apartheid
regime. They imposed Amin on us as a result. It is claimed you failed to act
like a prophet and send Amin to exile. You created one of the fastest growing
economies in the world, then at par with Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea,
but it is claimed that you failed to go to bed with London and Washington.
Sir, you led and won the war against Amin, but it is claimed that you failed to
come back in 1979- to State House. You sought re-election in 1980, it is
claimed, you failed to reign on Muwanga to keep his mouth shut and allow DP to
say what they dreamt. You defended Uganda's sovereignty against bandits in
Luwero in 1981-85, but you failed to call them terrorists, you would have won
Washington's mandate.
You were once again overthrown in 1985 after restoring a shattered economy and
delivering rising standards, but they claim that you failed to own and control
the army from Akokoro. You campaigned for restoration of democracy till you led
us to victory in court on November 17, 2004, but they claim you failed to use
the gun, otherwise Museveni would be gone.
Mr Obote, after last Sunday, now I know. Ugandans have experienced many strange
things since you left State House, but if only we knew that failure exists only
in the past tense. Failure increases the power of wisdom. Failure is like
experiments, treated as lessons.
If only those who condemn ever attempted to fail even better. Failure only has
a hold on the future if we allow it. Failure, according to the preacher, is a
pathway to success. Like a child who learns how to walk, falling several times
before sprinting. Knocked down but not knocked out.
Sir, God is the God of change. We are now relatively free - to organise - we
are living to make your name and legacy high. Happy Independence Day
celebrations.
Mr Ochieno is UPC's special envoy to UK and Ireland
The Mulindwas Communication Group
"With Yoweri Museveni, Uganda is in anarchy"
Groupe de communication Mulindwas
"avec Yoweri Museveni, l'Ouganda est dans l'anarchie"_______________________________________________
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