Published by participants in the  Certificate in Journalism program

of the African Virtual University-Indiana University of Pennsylvania Partnership.

The African Star

Homepage

Pictures (GAMBIA)
Pictures (Somaliland)

OPINION: Should presidential term limit be lifted?

The issue of amending the constitution so as to remove the limit on the presidency has hit  many headlines of our newspapers and dominated talk on our local radio stations.

 We look at our past and realize that we have come from far. Our past is dotted with innocent blood this gives us a melancholy feeling. Intensive fear girds us when our past seems to follow us. Yet the trend of events reveal a bleak future

 The debates in parliament concentrate on trivialities instead of finding solutions to the hard-hitting problems. There is insurgence in the north and eastern parts, poverty, unemployment and over dependency on foreign aid. In regard to this, our representatives waste valuable time tackling aspects that are deemed to cause unrest in the near future. The referendum is a strategy to make the incumbent government to stay in power. Where are we leading?, Have we not learned from our past?.

 Our problems are more than just this political struggle. We require a consulted effort and peaceful relinquishing of power. This will be a patriotic example other than spending the meager resources on expensive ventures like the referendum.

 The movement diehards advocate that President Museveni should contest again so as to win favors. This is sheer fantasy and not patriotism. A few want to dominate the majority for personal gain.

 Africa is absolutely proud of her son Nelson Mandela who has set a practical example of a true patriot

He led for one term and gave other people chance. Collective responsibility in nation building is all we look for and not self-centered avarious persons.

 Uganda has a multiplicity of tribes and there is need for unity in diversity. How can we achieve this when phrases like “ blood is thicker than water, in order to survive you need a person with a long nose or technical know who”. This reminds us of Ayi Kwei Armahs The beautiful ones are not yet born, where the nameless fictional character; the man, represents the true worker as he does not accept to be bribed while the others perpetuate corruption and end up miserably fleeing for their lives [Koomson]. This is when Kwame Nkrumah’s government was overthrown. Such scenarios should not occur but the need for transparency is all it takes to avert turmoil before hand. Let alone our motto “For God And my Country” should not be changed to “For god and my stomach”

 We should harness our resources in the most economical way for the benefit of all, encourage industry and hard work this will reduce on the borrowing tendency which comes with strings attached- Structural Adjustment Programs. Poverty will be a thing forgotten.

 It is incumbent upon this that President Museveni should reconsider before coming back in 2006. Time is the best doctor, it tells when and what is bound to happen. Otherwise there is need for change. For all is flux, nothing stays still, nothing endures but change.

id.