By Davis Lewis Rubongoya
One of the many reasons I left NRM was the whole idea that you’re not allowed to think for yourself. I would often make posts criticizing government dysfunction and corruption, and then my inbox would be flooded with messages asking why I’m fighting the government!
If for instance there was a corruption scandal involving some NRM bigwig and the opposition was up in arms against that person, you were expected to defend that person no matter how much loss or damage the person had caused.
Surprisingly, once Gen. Museveni ordered for the investigation of that person or took some action against them, you were expected to immediately shift goalposts and condemn him or her. If you continued defending that person after Museveni had spoken, you would be branded a traitor – ekipinga. Likewise, if you went to public hospitals and talked about the terrible conditions there, you were branded opposition. If Gen. Museveni came out and said the same thing, they would clap hands and nod in approval. So I asked, “What is my head for if I am not expected to make a judgment call on what is wrong or right?”
Sadly, that behavior has persisted up to now or even gotten worse. You all saw how NRM apologists were on these streets defending Anita Among despite all the evidence of grand corruption. But when the system turned on her, they joined the chorus of those condemning her. Seamlessly. Shamelessly!
I shuddered yesterday when I saw the number of apologists defending the shootings in Kisekka market. I’m sure if Museveni issues a statement today condemning that behavior, you will see how they instantly pivot and join in the condemnation. Suddenly, they will be “deeply disgusted” by these unpatriotic actions that harm peace, security, and tourism.
So, what is the purpose of having a brain if you can’t use it to think for yourself and discern what is right or wrong?
The writer is the Secretary General (SG) of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
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