Mr. Chris Obore’s attempts to downplay the significance of sanctions on Uganda’s ministers and speaker of parliament have been met with skepticism. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, a keen observer and recent human rights defender winner, raises pointed criticisms, suggesting that Obore’s approach may be futile in the face of mounting challenges.
Ssentongo has pointed out the difficulty of the situation, noting that while there may be flaws in the reasons behind the sanctions, few Ugandans are sympathetic. The invocation of the ‘imperialism’ card, once a rallying cry against external forces, has lost its potency due to the actions of Uganda’s own leaders. Ssentongo has painted a vivid picture of disillusionment, where Ugandans, betrayed by their own leaders, no longer find solace in anti-imperialistic rhetoric.
He has drawn a stark comparison, likening oppressive leadership to that of a tyrannical father. When a father becomes an oppressor, his children are unlikely to heed his warnings about external threats. In fact, they may seek refuge with those they once feared, viewing them as potential saviors from domestic tyranny.
Ssentongo’s critique delves deeper, questioning the moral authority of leaders who live in luxury while their constituents struggle for basic necessities. He challenged the notion that such leaders can credibly warn against foreign interference when they themselves perpetuate internal oppression.
The path to combating imperialism, according to Ssentongo, lies in genuine care for the people and responsible leadership. By earning the trust and loyalty of the populace through selfless service, leaders can effectively resist external threats without resorting to empty rhetoric.
However, he warns that arrogance and abuse from leaders only serve to alienate the populace further, making them indifferent to their leaders’ plight when faced with external pressure. Ssentongo cautioned that cries of unfairness will fall on deaf ears if leaders continue to prioritize self-interest over the welfare of the people.
In a scathing indictment, Ssentongo suggested that many Ugandans have resigned themselves to the reality of being marginalized and exploited by their own leaders. He pointed out the irony of seeking refuge from the very foreigners whom leaders demonize, illustrating the deep-seated hypocrisy within Uganda’s political landscape.
Ultimately, Ssentongo implies that until leaders heed the voices of their people, they will remain vulnerable to external sanctions and interventions. He drew a parallel to the discipline meted out by primary school teachers, where punishment persists until acknowledgment of wrongdoing. Only when leaders listen to their constituents will they earn the right to lecture on sovereignty and independence.