Editorial
23 December 2011
editorial
What can our current crop of politicians proudly say they have done for their people in 2011? After the elections in February, the new government was expected to engage in development programmes but politicking continued and ordinary citizens are increasingly getting frustrated, given the harsh economic conditions.
Rising commodity prices that led to the walk-to-work protests was a public outcry demanding an accountable leadership.
Such was a time for a responsible government to come up with practical options. Instead, politicians wasted too much time discussing none issues. Yet, what citizens needed to hear was how to put food on the table!
Ugandans have since discovered that the government probably doesn’t owe them a living and that most bureaucrats are out there to steal from public coffers.
Thanks to a few MPs who read the public mood, the anti-corruption crusade in Parliament is a great relief for the wananchi.
With a couple of ministers put to task to explain their involvement in one corruption scandal after another, and one having been forced to resign, this is what this country needs- to force a clean leadership that can deliver.
People mentioned in abuse of public offices should be investigated without fear or favour. And if found culpable, should not stop at resigning, but must face the law.
The anti-corruption crusade has metamorphosed into a national movement. People are tired of thieving public officers and are sending a clear message that the days of impunity are over. No national or local leader is safe from the fierce wind blowing against corruption and non-performance.
The national mood demands a fundamental change in governance. Ugandans are saying, “Lead or get out of the way”.
Ugandans are inevitably demanding to be led by people with the capacity to improve their economic wellbeing irrespective of the leaders’ political shade.
The bipartition spirit of the progressives in Parliament is a development we all need to salute, encourage and support. This is a sure way of taking our country forward.
The state of our economy has shown us that we need leaders who will use their time in office working for the people first and foremost. The lessons of 2011 have, if anything, restored our faith in our people’s ability to create positive change.
AllAfrica – All the Time