[UAH] ntv: WHAT'S THE ROLE AND TAG OF OPPOSITION?

In one of its most recent evening news bulletins, NTV ran a piece on
the proposed amendments by opposition MPs to the constitution. The
anchor stated thus: "Ab'oludda OLUWABULA gavumeenti bategeka kwaanja
ebiteeso ebiwelako nga bagendelela okukyusakyusa mu ssemateeka
w'eggwanga" Directly translated as: "Those of the side which ADVISES
government plan to table several proposed amendments to the
constitution".

The story is factual, like most T.V news items but most remarkable is
the use of the word ADVISES. In the context, the opposition is branded
as ADVISORS OF GOVERNMENT. Research shows that many opponents of
sitting governments,especially in Africa, think of themselves as
competitors (abavuganya) or fighters against (abalwanyisa) of
whichever side is in power. N.T.V's choice of diction, i think,
defines what opposition should be and do intrinsically. Competition
elapses after elections while fighting (okulwanyisa) borders on the
treasonous. In fact, during elections, there is no exclusive
opposition because everyone is opposed to another. In brief, the
opposition plays Advisor to a regime, which is a prestigious role if
you ask me.

Robert Atuhairwe