Lukwago, Mabike must remain united in adversity
By Abbey K. Semuwemba
22nd Nov 2010
The Kampala mayoral race is on. But we have been disappointed with some of the stuff that has taken place. Apart from the opposition nominating two candidates, we were alarmed at the threats Hon. Michael Mabike allegedly made to former IPC spokesperson Ssemujju Nganda.
It’s is also alleged that Mabike is inciting his supporters to unleash violence on those who don’t support him. If the allegations are true, then it reflects the concern that Uganda has not yet moved on from the strata of violence; even after 24years of Museveni’s rule without full scale war in most parts of the country.
It’s illuminating to study Mabike’s remarks because they reveal a lot about him and the prevailing philosophy of those that support guys like him for leadership. Such threats are particularly unfathomable in light of the fact that it’s one opposition candidate making them against another opposition candidate. If this continues, we are likely to stampede ourselves into some kind of electoral violence, which most reasonable people agree would be a disaster for the whole country.
I understand that young violent men in Kampala find solace and a feeling of belonging in a gang environment. This is not the right way to go. If this irresponsible behaviour by leaders is not checked, we may see a Baghdad-like situation in Kampala. For example, in August 2005, armed men entered Baghdad’s municipal building, deposed the then mayor, and installed a Shia militia man belonging to an organisation called Badr.
So the UPDF should not be tempted to unleash violence on anybody in this election because the way we understand people who go to the military is that they are taught the right things – about leadership, about sacrifice, about what is important to character. Technically, that is how a professional soldier is supposed to be.
Therefore, people will appreciate it more if Lukwago, Mabike and other mayoral contenders spend most of their campaigns telling us what they are going to do for Kampala. In London for instance, the main roles of the elected Mayor are well known: to promote economic development and wealth creation, social development, and the improvement of the environment. The Mayor also has a number of other duties in relation to culture and tourism, including responsibility for Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square.
Mayors in other UK cities and Europe tend to preside over marriage or citizenship ceremonies. For instance in 2004, the French Mayor of Paris married gays at the front of a parade that involved 700,000 people. We expect our mayoral candidates to talk about the environmental issues, filling potholes, and emptying the garbage in their campaigns. We also expect a Mayor to cut ribbons when opening new buildings after being elected into office.
Personally, I think the environment is a big thing in mayoral campaigns because global warming is a serious threat that should worry anyone. There is no point denying that pollution affects the environment and individuals anywhere in the world. For instance, in cities such as Chicago, wireless urinals have been adopted; businesses are being given grants for solar panels; and the Mayor there has encouraged tree planting.
So we expect a Kampala Mayor to start effecting simple things such as banning smoking from all bars and restaurants, along with office buildings, gardens, clubs, arena, bowling alleys, and pool halls. Plus, encouraging use of bicycles for those residing near Kampala as it is good for them and the environment.
Some people may not see this now but a Mayor is supposed to be a potential presidential candidate. Most Mayors of capital cities tend to harbour presidential ambitions. For instance, Mike Bloomberg the New York Mayor has reportedly dropped hints that he may run for president.
The former Mayor Rudy Giuliani missed out because he was little known outside New York City. Lopez Obrador, former Mayor of Mexico City, stood for presidency in 2006. We therefore need a Kampala mayor who cares deeply about the country. Well, there are no congratulations yet because both Mabike and Lukwago are standing for the post of Mayor of Kampala.
But whatever their differences, they must remain respectful of one another and stand united, especially in adversity. END. Please log into www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.
Mr. Abbey Semuwemba is a Ugandan living in the United Kingdom
