Uganda should borrow a leaf from Kenya, treat opposition with respect

It was unlawful for the Ugandan government to arrest  opposition leaders Amama Mbambazi and Kizza Besigye while they were conducting campaigns.

This is the highest form of dictatorship heard of in recent times. Why would a president do such a thing. This is a manifestation of a failed state. This is a strategy that is being employed to suppress opposition in Uganda.

It is high time Ugandan people be given chance to exercise their constitutional right of choosing the leader of their choice. Opposition should also be given chance to freely conduct their campaigns ahead of coming elections.

The atrocities of  African leadership are  obvious in  Uganda.  Opposition leaders in Uganda have for a long time been dealt by the Museveni regime. It will be recalled that Kizza was once beaten by the Ugandan police and had to be rushed to Nairobi for treatment.

The role of opposition in any government cannot go unnoticed. It is the watchdog of the common citizen in ensuring that public resources are not siphoned by the government, equitable distribution of resources in the country and present the public grievances to the government. Silencing opposition is doing more harm to Uganda than good.

An Unfavourable political environment has negative effects to any economy. Potential investors are likely to shy away from such a country.

If president Museveni is an advocate of democracy he should do away with clauses in the constitution that go against the freedom of expression. The problem with African countries is that they have constitutions that are never implemented.

Furthermore why amend a constitution in order to protect the rulling regime. Democracy in Uganda should not only be seen in the constution nor on the lips of Ugandans but be seen in practice.

While some African countries have embraced change, Uganda is still in a totalitarian regime that is hostile to present day leaders. Ugandan leadership should not be taken as a monarchy to be passed on the lineage of the same family but chance must be given to all Ugandans despite their religion, political or race disparities.

Neocolonialism should not be given chance to thrive in present day Uganda.