Let me be clear. No I did not think the
petition would work and No I did not agree with the author of the petition
riding on our (Uganda’s) unpopularity for its lay on homosexuality. Those were
not the reasons I signed the petition.
I signed the petition as an act of defiance. It
was An attempt however feeble at demonstrating my unhappiness with the state of
my country. I viewed it as my chance to say to the powers that by, “I am
unhappy” on a stage that was both out of their control and was in the lime
light enough to draw some attention. It was a man’s plea for help in the
passing headlights of a car despite knowing no one would stop.
I also firmly believe that for Kutesa to get
that job would be a reward. It would be an endorsement of a man who while the
law did not find him guilty is believed to have actually stolen billions for
personal gain. For an illustrious organization like the UN such a tainted
figure would not be allowed to take on such a responsibility.
Finally I hoped that this would be an
opportunity for the above mentioned illustrious organization to prove itself
true to its values. I have been proved wrong. I also viewed it as an
indictment, a corner of ethics for the UN, a chance for it to hang itself with
its own rope and in my books they have done so rightly cementing at least in my
view their purely ceremonial and biased position especially in reference to
third world politics.
That said there is a silver cloud to this dark
lining. To take up his post Mr Kutesa will have to resign his position as a
Member of the Ugandan Parliament. This means that his constituents get a chance
at electing a new representative who hopefully will fight for their benefits
and concerns. This too is an opportunity for the opposition to fill a vacant
seat in the house and sway and already imbalanced legislature. If the Luwero by
elections are anything to go about this, is a great possibility.
It also allows room for a moderate ruling party
member to take his place either in parliament or as minister of foreign affairs.
There are many among them that would be better suited. And if none should take
his place that is of greater ethical grain…well we lose nothing.
Greatest of all good fortune is that this role
thrusts him into the lime light. This is 365 days of full on international
scrutiny from home and abroad into not just his alledged corrupt tendencies but
his leadership and more. I cant wait to see what this light shall unearth.
In the interests of balance feel free to read
these other articles on the subject and make up your own mind.
