Why "Uganda is not Kenya" Reveals Much in the Fight Against Corruption.

By McPius Ssekatawa S

Following rumors about an anti-corruption march that was slated for 23 July, a hashtag "Uganda is not Kenya" arose on social media, bearing connotations of comparisons between the two countries. This phrase, rich in implications, prompts a deeper dissection of its meaning as well as the far-reaching implications of the marches.

Unlike Kenya, Uganda’s permission for peaceful demonstrations ends on paper, not practically. The usually allowed demonstrations are pro-government. On many occasions, Ugandan demonstrators are treated like rebels regardless of their constitutional rights. The saddest part of it all is that starving poverty-stricken security personnel are engaged to fight people on a cause that benefits them all.

In Kenya, religious leaders had a noteworthy role in the cause of the march, lending their voice as a practical motivation for the "Gen Z." In contrast, not even a traditional healer in Uganda spoke up, either in support or in opposition of the march. This situation necessitated a roar from the vocal religious. On the contrary, their reaction was full of nonchalance. This indifference shows an absence of support from the vocal and influential groups in society.

The large turnout of Kenyan Gen Z contrasts with the relatively low participation in Uganda. Nevertheless, this low turnout should not be mistaken for poor mobilization or an indicator of “no concern.” It shows that Ugandans have a well-painted picture of their heartless and unbothered government. Our leadership has turned this nation into one governed by fear, an evil that reduces public inclusion in vital matters.

The determination of the “Gen Z” in both countries defers. For our neighbours in Kenya, a one-day counterattack by security personnel never zeroed down their efforts. In Uganda, the reverse is true. Given how determined the puppet security works on cold orders, the Gen Z had no choice other than to halt.

Following the Kenya protests, the government engaged with the populace, and notable changes were implemented. For our case, four days after the march, our government is not showing any sign of dialogue or adjustment. All the efforts seem futile, underscoring a thick difference between the two countries.

These differences in the modes of operation of the two governments are highly revealing. As one appears to manifest concern, the other remains unbothered. The Kenyan government’s response exhibits understanding and commitment to addressing issues of its citizens, a point that seems to be missing in the agenda of our government.

Preferably, having gotten wind of this demonstration, the ideal response from the government would have been calling for dialogue, especially since it deemed the protest dangerous. On the contrary, the government resorted to intimidation, pledging to crush the lawful and peaceful demonstrators. The government’s judgment prompted heavy military deployment across the city, as if we were for a military and artillery exhibition.

In light of all this, the government expresses blatant disregard for citizens' needs. Today, when we watch parliamentary proceedings run smoothly yet lawful demonstrators are incarcerated like robbers, it raises serious questions about our leadership. Can we stand up consciously to say that we have an effective government? This harsh handling of peaceful citizens manifests a shocking disregard for rationality.

Repeatedly, the government speaks about patriotism, calling us to love our country. However, how can we love our country when the leadership promotes hatred? In addition, how should we demand patriotism when all avenues are closed? My understanding of how unpatriotic the patriotic teachers are was demystified the moment government officials threatened the youth as a tactic to shun the march. This undermined patriotism, manifesting the government’s hypocrisy and a deficiency of real commitment to the country’s progress. It is disheartening that the government approaches critical issues in a way that defies common sense and integrity.

We are in a country and time where criminals are protected and the lawful incarcerated. Ours is the time where vices are given platform to grow, and virtues suppressed. This is the era where criminals grace functions, receive audiences, and their vicious voices outgrow virtuous ears. Such is the time when the guilty castigate the innocent for innocence and lead the sages by hook or crook. This is the moment where thieves are given front seats in church. The ethical sanctuaries turned into stages for the corrupt, as the authentic voices of dissent are suffocated.

Moving forward, “Uganda is not Kenya” in another sense shows that despite the little efforts Ugandans have made, the government will not change for good. Detaining and remanding youth for defending the truth is the greatest indicator of the government’s dysfunction. In fact, this explains why a good number stood aloof from this march. Despite the past efforts made, including sacrificing lives, the benefits to the common person remain null and vague, something testified by the situation of the people of Luwero.

Such reveals the deep-seated brutality in the regime. We are dealing with a rocky institution, having a genuine aspiration as the remotest aim. We are witnessing a battle of integrity of the Gen Z against the irrationality of the government.

Ultimately, the government remains a barefaced mockery of democracy. Imbued in corruption and brutality, it proves itself unfit of steering the nation to progress but recession. Repeatedly, its actions deficient of competence, together with its hollow premises, manifest how astray it went away from the moral compass. Through disdain for constitutionalism, it has exposed itself as a regime functioning within criminal disregard for its populace.

In summary, we need to contemplate how best we are to rectify this matter. Since dialogue and force have failed, this difficult task necessitates combined efforts. When matters affecting us all are handled by one party, we are never safe. This is the time when religious institutions must roar, the judiciary must bark and bite, cultural leaders must condemn the impunity, and the government must face significant consequences. Short of a combined effort, we remain stuck in the relegated league of suppression, remote from the ideal advancement seen in Kenya.