Recent debates on many political platforms have claimed that the ongoing presidential campaigns are lacking vibe. What is the vibe anyway?
Many of us who have witnessed presidential candidates can reference several cases of violence over all previous election cycles. Only the degree varies.
That’s what many refer to as ‘vibe’. In fact, we were warned by Mr Nobert Mao, the Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister, prior that this will be the quietest campaign ever.
He even said that if you choose not to be quiet, the security forces will be compelled to silence you.
The silence does not seem to be a case of the security forces doing the right thing but rather orders intended to avoid an uproar among the masses.
The lid was lifted in Lira and Mbarara on the campaign trail of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine.
In northern Uganda, a hotel he was residing in was raided whereas in the west, his motorcade was cut off. In the latter case, several people were detained.
NUP have also claimed that several of their people are being arrested quietly during the campaign trail. At this point, it’s a case of who you want to believe – the police or the politicians?
The accusations and numbers in all places across Uganda are bound to shoot up from today. Over 2,000 politicians nominated for parliamentary races across Uganda start their campaigns. They will make promises to build bridges where there are no rivers, and cattle ranches in the city centre.
In their words, fish will swim where there is no water and roads will be built in the sand.
Most of the things they want to do for you are not in the jurisdiction of Members of Parliament (MPs) but you must listen and make the right call.
The right vibe will definitely shoot up since you are not waiting for a presidential candidate to hit your area first. Every village, parish, town, sub county has its star.
However, amid the promised silence, there is going to be more disruption to our routines and perhaps even face-offs with security forces in some places.
It’s time to take extra caution as the numbers surge especially in hotly-contested areas. Police have to be on the lookout for suspicious activity. Citizens, too, have to play their role -but do not fight.
Demand accountability, challenge misinformation and monitor the process. Citizens should engage in discussions, debates, and public forums to express their opinions, raise awareness about local issues, and challenge candidates on their proposed solutions. This will be the right noise to bury the silence.