David Lewis, the Secretary General of the Opposition NUP (National Unity Platform), recently shared insights into the unfortunate reality of poverty driven politics, particularly in the northern regions of Uganda. His observations, made during various by-elections in places like Omoro, Oyam, and Dokolo, shed light on the nature of interaction between politicians and impoverished communities.
Lewis pointed out that poverty has dehumanized whole communities, and if one wishes to grasp its effects, a tour of Northern Uganda might serve as an eye opener. According to his observation, politicians swoop into these areas during election cycles, armed not just with promises but also with wads of cash—albeit often in the form of changed notes of 1,000 shillings.
In Dokolo, the scene reportedly reached absurd levels. Some cunning politicians, fully aware of the “money talks” dynamic, resorted to distributing cash to garner votes. However, their plans were briefly thwarted when authorities caught wind of their monetary maneuvers, resulting in brief arrests. One can only imagine the commotion—politicians scrambling like chickens in a market, trying to avoid clutches of the law while clutching wads of cash.
The true stars of the show are the electorate. Lewis recounted an incident where eager supporters, expecting the traditional pre election handouts, greeted him warmly with outstretched hands, hopeful eyes, and, of course, empty pockets. Women, in a display of hopeful desperation, even shed their clothes—perhaps hoping to catch not just the candidate’s attention but also a stray note or two.
The sad truth?
The majority seemed more interested in the contents of their pockets than the content of Lewis’s message. When informed that no cash would be forthcoming, disappointment swept through the crowd faster than news of a free lunch. It was as if the air had been let out of a balloon, leaving behind a sense of deflation and disillusionment.
Yet, within this bleak landscape of poverty driven politics, Lewis remains hopeful. He acknowledges the urgent need for a solution—a way out of this cycle of humiliation for the people of Northern Uganda. For now, though, the relationship between poverty and politics continues, leaving many to wonder: will change ever come, or are we doomed to keep exchanging votes for coins like some twisted form of currency?
