Being one of the few countries lead by successful “gorillas” turned politician, Uganda changes every single year. Though the changes can’t always be described as positives, many here in the land of Matoke and Nilo (Nile) agree that a lot has happened for the good of the country. On Hapamedia’s current year regional routine around the East and Central African region, we will compile a series of reports for you this entire week from Entebbe and Kampala in Uganda.

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Chancellor of Makerere University, Commander in Chief of the national army and President of the republic of Uganda called for a prayer day on the eve of the celebrations of 47th Independence commemoration Day. He called for unity among Ugandans and understanding among different traditional kingdoms. The same message was echoed by the Buganda King – the Kabaka Ronald Mutebi. This new way of approaching matters could be the best for the country after the riots that tarnished the image of the Perl of Africa.  

Hapamedia roamed the streets of Kampala and Entebbe to collect people’s views and assessments on the National Resistance Movement – NRM – and President Museveni rules of the country since the ascension of the NRF in 1986. Many think that the NRM leader has done a lot to lift the country from earlier regimes decried misconducts. Not everyone has got the same opinion on the happenings in the country. Some praise his efforts to render Uganda “The Perl of Africa”. They attribute to him the decline in land security problems, street robberies, activities that have tarnished the name of the country and many other vices.

Another group of Ugandans hate passionately every little thing that Museveni or M7 (Museveni’s sobriquet) has done to lower their integrity of the Perl of Africa. They accuse him of having brought Rwandans into Uganda’s high power circles. Rwando-Ugandans are also believed to own almost every valuable piece of land through heir keens close to power(e.g: Gen. Mugisha Muntu). Museveni’s critics also accuse him of sending his “relatives” to the Democratic Republic of Congo to enrich themselves and their tribe arguing that they are fighting negative forces that pose threat to national integrity.  Museveni is also accused of disrespecting traditional Kings.

Some fellows in M7 foes camp vow to send all their children out of the country to seek employment because jobs in Uganda are known to belong only to those who greet each other with “Agandi” (Museveni’s tribe). They resolve themselves to restore a federal system of government that will be manned by tribal kings at the grass root level. Other Monarchs are blaming those asking for the federo to be too soft on Museveni. They are calling for secession of some kingdoms from the main country.

On the 47th independence day commemoration, unlike in Kenya where even oppositions leaders attend national celebrations, here in Uganda political opponents of Museveni gathered to celebrate the their newly formed political coalition to oust NRM government from power.  One thing is sure, Uganda is no more the Perl of Africa as many would suggest.

HAPAMEDIA