As you probably know, I am God’s dog. And I always observe His condition and ascertain that He is still in a state of divine rest before roaming around, sniffing at different things. In the heat of the last few weeks, the question has been raised: Will corruption finally be eliminated or at least significantly reduced, with the culprits consistently imprisoned or stored away for re-education in high-security basements? The way Uganda works, there are people whose eyes are conditioned to remain closed because of their devotion to the ruling NRM or because of their NRM-backed financial rewards. These generally stand on one side, publicly maintaining that corruption is on the way out.
They know from past experience that this is a big lie. They in fact want it to remain a big lie, so that they can still play the games and shenanigans that bring them great wealth. On the other side are the sceptical Ugandans. They have seen the cycles of a fight in which corruption appears to be put briefly on the defensive, and the relaxation that gives the same corruption free space and even some wind to speed ahead. After 40 years of this NRM circus, with the exception of a few cosmetic adjustments, these Ugandans sense that the systemic memory that sustains corruption has been preserved in the latest senior government appointments.
With perfect timing, the disgraced leadership of Parliament was only removed after it had bulldozed through the House all the ugly legislation and budgetary extravagance that the regime will need to keep all its options open. President Museveni has also ensured the consciousness to the principle of the division of labour that would inspire a tighter Cabinet will not replace the tendency to be divorced from responsibility encouraged by his horde of 82 ministers. Instead of functioning as an integrated whole focused on doing national good, the ‘Gang of 82’ is likely to operate like its predecessor, a loose demographic patchwork of marauding tribal and sectarian interests, with only secondary regard for competence.
Ugandans of goodwill sometimes despair. Some turn to prayer. It is common to hear people thinking aloud that Uganda needs praying for; that it is only God who can redeem it. This would be all right. Which level-headed person would not rejoice if some supernatural force could fix the country in one act of wizardry? Call it a miracle. Not that the ruling elite and its horde of opportunistic supporters are spiritually idle. When they are not designing to plunder, they are bewitching each other and praying.
Last Sunday, I was listening to the jolly trio of pastors who do a variety talk show on a local radio and TV. Indulging in a malwa-styled political chat-chat as they often do, the leading pastor prayed (or pleaded) that the former minister, who was imprisoned (for stealing iron sheets that were destined for the impoverished Karamoja sub-region), be pardoned. His reasoning was decidedly pro-corruption. He did not argue that the other alleged iron-sheet culprits be properly tried and exonerated or punished. No. Instead, he wanted the proven thief (‘Madam Barabbas’?) to be released. A prayer for the universal application of impunity.
Unfortunately for both sides, being in a state of divine rest, God can neither intervene to redeem the country nor to break the necks of the rulers who bestow selective impunity. But the rulers will at least be emboldened that there are men of God out there praying for universal impunity, and in effect making corruption grow stronger.