Sadly, rather than addressing the root causes of the walk-to-walk campaign, the government is hell-bent on demonizing the opposition politicians who have launched this campaign to show solidarity with the ordinary citizens that face the brunt of rising commodity prices. While addressing journalists on Tuesday 12th April 2011, the DP President Norbert Mao said what the government needs to do is to cut the tax on fuel by only 400 shillings on each litre, the commodity prices would go down.
Only last week, the Kenyan civil society groups threatened to go on the streets protesting the rise in fuel prices. The Kenyan government responded by slashing 30 per cent off the tax on fuel. What’s so unique with Uganda? While addressing journalists at his country home, president Museveni said they could not reduce the taxes on fuel because then they would fail to raise money to run the state. Ironically, this money doesn’t benefit the Ugandan taxpayers. Do we need huge sums of money to spend on the swearing-in ceremony; buying fighter jets at a time when the country is at peace? Why would the state need taxes if they cannot ameliorate the current plight in which citizens are embroiled? What are taxes for if they don’t help the citizens?
I know government is paranoid that the opposition intends to exploit the situation to capture power. But why can’t the government address the issues raised? I personally received a text message reading, “This is the old man with a hat. Thank you for voting me and the NRM. Let’s work together for a better Uganda. Congratulations on the NRM victory”. I also received numerous calls with a recorded voice of the president with the above message. So, what exactly did the president mean when he said let us work together for a better Uganda if he cannot listen to the cries of Ugandans? If the opposition never had any point in what they are doing they wouldn’t attract a following. The president said that increase in food prices puts a smile on the faces of his farmers. Don’t the farmers buy other commodities?
I know walking has never been a crime. The state is currently violating what in the human rights parlance we call negative rights. These rights are inherent and all the state should do is to refrain from infringing them. Unfortunately, the police force which is headed by a professional lawyer is at the forefront of violating Ugandans rights. It is amazing that the military has also joined the police in the crack-down on peaceful people’s rights. For how long will impunity be brooked? I have seen some people in the business community saying they are going to organize counter demonstrations against the Activists 4 Change walk-to-work campaign. Why can’t they call upon the government to address the grievances raised by the walk-to-work campaigns?
The Inspector General of Police and the government should come out clearly and tell us whether the rights enshrined in Article 29 of the constitution can only be enjoyed by other citizens and not political leaders. I would want to know whether we are in a state of emergency as to warrant the suspension and limitation of human rights. If the government cannot tolerate peaceful means of dissent, how does the ruling party expect the opposition to express their grievances? I saw the president saying Besigye was allowed to hold numerous rallies during the campaigns without any interference. Does that mean the opposition should never participate in any activities after elections? Have we appreciated the fact that we are in a multiparty dispensation?
There is no pretence now that in Uganda we cannot talk of human rights – not civil and political rights or economic, social and cultural rights. The ruling party has arrogated itself the powers to give and take rights. I am worried that in future they may even block opposition figures from going to churches and mosques because they will mingle with the people. Finally, people who are arrested in the walk-to-work campaigns are charged with assault; inciting violence; blocking traffic and other funny charges. Why can’t they charge them with illegal walking if it is a crime?
VINCENT NUWAGABA
is a political scientist cum human rights defender
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