Waiting for Museveni, DR Besigye Handshake

The Observer (Kampala)

25 May 2011

editorial

As Gulu Catholic Archdiocese celebrated 100 years of evangelisation in the region last week, a simple gesture by two political leaders almost stole the show.

President Museveni and Uganda People’s Congress leader, Olara Otunnu, shook hands to everyone’s excitement. Ordinary handshakes, more so during a religious function, should be something to be taken for granted. However, Uganda’s politics has evolved in such a away that political opponents are considered enemies who must not be touched even with a long stick, let alone shaking their hand.

The fact that the people around cheered this gesture means that this is how Ugandans expect their leaders to behave. Leaders may disagree politically but that must not make them perceive one another as enemies. Respect, tolerance and forgiveness are virtues every good leader must have.

A handshake between President Barack Obama and his opponent John McCain, or predecessor, George W. Bush, wouldn’t cause a fuss in the United States because it is a minimum expectation. Even in Africa, where democracy is young, there are a few countries where rival leaders have shown remarkable mutual respect and a national spirit, especially during national events.

Nigeria, Ghana and Zambia are good examples. We believe that when leaders relate to one another in a respectful manner, their supporters are likely to follow suit. But if the leaders throw stones at one another, so will their supporters.

The rioting on Kampala streets is obviously a symptom of this malaise in our politics of confrontation. Therefore, Ugandans need to encourage mutual respect among our leaders for the good of our country because it is bigger than all of us. We must not become hostages of political differences.

We’re looking forward to a warm handshake between President Museveni and the main opposition leader, Dr Kizza Besigye. Maybe that is what Uganda needs to break from the past and move forward.

AllAfrica – All the Time