By Stephen Lwetutte
LONDON-UNITED KINGDOM/NEWSDAY: With the current facts and figures to hand, only hypocrites can deny the institutionalised nature of nepotism and tribalism in the running of the Ugandan state today. Given the length this situation has persisted and subsisted – over a generation – the longest in Uganda’s troubled history, the beneficiary tribal groups have come to believe that they have to occupy certain government positions as of right. Indeed, it is now almost fashionable to hear them daunt and mock others how they can never again assume positions of leadership in Uganda.
Therein lies the superficial tragedy in the making under this regime for, as sure as day follows night, the situation will definitely change at some point and the potential for violent recriminations would then have to be managed to prevent the country from descending into the abyss – this government has spectacularly failed to take note of that reality and to learn from our history and from history elsewhere.
Despite concerns and warnings about the inherent dangers of entrenching tribalism in the country, President Museveni, in typical mode, prefers to resort to threats and intimidation against those that point out this time bomb in order to stifle them. But the problem continues to fester.
The latest reshuffle in the security agencies top brass continues that tradition and yet again demonstrates the the case in point. It comes hardly month after Brigadier General Flavia Byekwaso, a Muganda appointed to the position Defence Spokesman following the perennial accusations of nepotism in the army, handing over office after only one year and half in the position. She has been replaced in an acting capacity by someone of the dominant ethnic origin in the security services.
The position of disgraced Gen Abel Kandiho, from the West who is accused of egregious human rights abuses is now occupied by another westerner, Maj Gen James Birungi – in typical display of institutional impunity, Kandiho has been redeployed elsewhere instead of being investigated for the persistent, consistent and credible allegations against him, thanks plausibly to his ethnic origin.
Others in the Tuesday January 25, 2022 reshuffle include the appointments of: Private Tom Magambo, who skips several ranks to be promoted to Major and appointed Director of Police CID; Brig Gen Isoke Henry as the New Head of State House Anti-Corruption Unit; Maj Gen Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi has been appointed the new Deputy Inspector of Police (DIGP), replacing the late Gen Paul Lokech and the renewal of Dr. Canon Jonnson Byabashaija’s contract as the Commissioner General of Uganda Prisons Service. All these new appointments come from one region – the western.
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