It is not advisable to fight or quarrel with one’s in-laws, and I caution Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi accordingly. Maintaining family harmony is important, both culturally and socially.
I have read several articles, both online and offline, in which the former presidential candidate of the National Unity Platform (NUP) appears to call on Western countries to impose sanctions on certain Ugandan government officials, whom he accuses of violating his political rights.
As a former presidential contender, lawmaker, and trained lawyer, Hon. Kyagulanyi knows that economic sanctions on a country often harm ordinary citizens far more than the targeted leaders. He also knows, as both a lawmaker and a legal professional, that the Ugandan government can be sued vicariously for crimes or civil breaches committed by its agents.
For record purposes, Hon. Kyagulanyi has called for sanctions against President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Legally, these two are agents of government, and if they are suspected of committing a crime or civil wrong, the proper legal avenue is to sue the Attorney General (AG) in a vicarious capacity, as provided under Article 250(4) of the Constitution. Suing the AG is much more feasible than attempting to sue the president directly, since Article 98(4) and (5) insulates the president from criminal and civil liability.
Furthermore, Hon. Kyagulanyi is married among the Banyankole. I encourage him to refrain from quarrelling with his in-laws. Among the Bamasaaba in Bugisu, and similarly in Ankole culture, disputes with in-laws are considered inappropriate and may negatively affect the family, especially children.
As both a lawyer and lawmaker, Hon. Kyagulanyi should use the Ugandan laws he helped craft to address his concerns. The courts of law are fully capable of resolving these matters. The High Court has original jurisdiction, and cases brought against opposition figures by the state have often been dismissed due to lack of evidence, sometimes with damages or remedies awarded.
I urge Hon. Kyagulanyi to demonstrate fidelity to the laws of Uganda, which he participated in enacting. He should test these laws domestically rather than appealing to foreign governments for embargoes or sanctions, which ultimately harm ordinary citizens more than the targeted leaders.
History offers valuable lessons. The Greek philosopher Socrates, for instance, was accused by the state of corrupting youth and sentenced to death. He willingly drank the poison, demonstrating loyalty to the state despite having opportunities to escape. Socrates equated one’s government to one’s parents: even if imperfect, they should not be hated. Similarly, judicial activism can ensure courts do not stray from their constitutional mandate of independence under Article 128 of the Ugandan Constitution.
Elections and political tensions may create temporary gaps between the state and citizens, but this should not become permanent. It is crucial that we move beyond the election period and focus on reconciliation, peace, and adherence to the rule of law. Let us preach peace and respect the law, rather than pleading for sanctions from foreign powers.
