OPINION | RUBIRIZI DISTRICT: The current party system in Uganda is characterized by a high degree of imbalance, with a dominant ruling “hegemonic” party facing a weak and sometimes fragmented opposition, often disrupted from any organized political activity.
I wonder if the opposition should consider organizing from within the NRM party, especially in areas where the NRM is still very popular, like in Rubirizi. This would enable the opposition to have their influence through NRM representatives in those areas.
While we await the challenging parties to consider this, my personal opinion doesn’t focus solely on political tactics but on the need for selecting better leaders.
As a non-member of the NRM party, particularly from a community that predominantly supports NRM, any argument that guides me to ignore the NRM’s party exercises alone is logical but not tactically rational.
Realistically, the outcomes from the NRM activities affect all of us. Thus, we are somewhat accidental members of the NRM party.
Therefore, take some time off and ensure your name is updated in the NRM yellow book. This doesn’t merely impact your political ideology but also grants you the legality to choose the right leaders.
One author and political scientist, Giovanni Sartori, explains the distinction between one-party states, multi-party systems, and what he calls hegemonic party systems.
There are five principles of politics: Rationality, Institution, Collective-Action, Policy, and History.
Rigidity, especially in politics where choices represent our growth indicators, will be our greatest impediment to growth.
This principle of rationality should guide us. While the goal is to elect good leaders, why should electorates ignore the popular system (NRM primaries) that decides about 90% and beyond which leaders officially get into office?
What the heart doesn’t feel, the eyes cannot see, and there is no greater obstacle to vision than rigidity.
How did we get here? The Movement system under which Uganda had been governed before the referendum of 2005 deviated from democratic principles, particularly the principle of freedom of association.
The writer contributes to Rubirizi Edition Magazine as a local opinion columnist.
Fredrick Beinomugisha.
beinfredrick@gmail.com | 0781871270 / 0751068770
