{UAH} NRM FAILED TO IMPLEMENT ITS EXPANDED 15 POINTS PROGRAMME.
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NRM FAILED TO IMPLEMENT ITS EXPANDED 15 POINTS PROGRAMME.
Uganda became independent on October 9, 1962 under leadership of Late AMO. Next October 9, 2021 independent Uganda will become 59 years old. NRM has been in power for more than half of this time (35 years) under one president – His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He came to power in 1986 purportedly to clean up the place and set Uganda on the road to permanent peace, security, democracy, prosperity and happiness.
Uganda would become an industrial state within 15 years and transformed from subsistence to commercial agriculture. A middle class economy and society would be realized. He articulated his agenda in the ten (10) point program which was expanded to fifteen (15) in 1998.
Point No. 1: RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY
NRM promise: NRM promised free and fair elections at regular intervals. To be meaningful democracy must be underpinned by a reasonable standard of living for all people.
NRM delivery record: NRM has passed the test of conducting regular elections in 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021 but has failed the test on free & fair elections. All the elections have been characterized by intimidation, killings, galloping irregularities in voter registration & rigging, etc.
In January 2021 General elections, The Electoral Commission announced Incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta T. Museveni, who has ruled the country since 1986, as the winner with 58.64% of the votes although the US State Department qualified the electoral process as "fundamentally flawed" and The Africa Elections Watch coalition said they observed massively grave irregularities. The official voter turnout was 57% but is questioned since 409 polling stations were announced to have 100% voter turnout
In 2011, George Otim Nape (NRM), who lost the Kole seat to Fred Ebil Ebil (UPC) argued that irregularities coupled with election malpractice affected the results of the Kole county seat elections. For Paul Amoru, who contested on the FDC party ticket and lost to Felix Okot Ogong, the NRM party flag-bearer for Dokolo county, the whole electoral process was marred by irregularities. He alleged that the election of Okot was conducted outside the provisions of the Parliamentary Elections Act, 2005.
In 2016, about seven weeks after the close of the February 2016 polls, election disputes flooded Lira High Court. In Oyam North, former MP, Krispus Ayena Odongo (UPC) wanted court to nullify the election of Mr Charles Okello Engola (NRM) on allegations of election fraud and voter bribery. In Otuke, Mr Paul Omara, who stood on an Independent ticket, wanted the nullification of the election of NRM's Julius Peter Acon. Most of the cases filed are premised on election fraud, voter bribery and the Electoral Commission's failure to adhere to lawful procedures.
Since the 2001 presidential elections the NRM leadership has also become more intolerant and repressive. In 2001 a military general was appointed to head the Uganda Police Force. Since then, political cadres and military men have been recruited into the police force, allegedly to "improve it". Remember, these are guys with mandate to man the elections.
Point No. 2: RESTORATION OF SECURITY
NRM promise: NRM pledged to restore security of the person and property of all Ugandans.
NRM delivery record: Whether narrowly or broadly defined security of the person hasn't improved much. Of course, there have been pockets of seemingly developments in national security since the promulgation of a new constitution in 1996. The parliament has ventured in areas like conflict resolution. In 1996, with the euphoria of the "transition" to democracy after the promulgation of a new constitution and elections, the 6th Parliament extracted concession from the government of Uganda to look into the conflict in northern Uganda. However, the inclination towards military solution to internal conflicts was too strong. Besides, like all parliaments in authoritarian states, the Ugandan parliament was (and is still) weak. The presidency controls it, and it suffers from the perils of parliaments in personal states. Thus, the Parliamentary Sessional Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, which investigated the conflicts in northern Uganda ruled out peace talks with rebels, and instead recommended a military solution. This decision undermined the role of democratization in the resolution of conflicts in Lango subregion & greater northern Uganda. Nonetheless, a minority report by two members recommended peace talks. The minority reported argued that parliament should be the last institution to shut the doors to peaceful resolution of conflicts.
From then on, civil society groups sustained the search for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The government of Uganda, which prefers military solution, gave half-hearted approval to civil society initiatives.
Freedom from fear, freedom from want and freedom to live in dignity has not been achieved. If anything it has got worse. Land is the basic and for many Ugandans the only property they have. Land grabbing by unscrupulous Ugandans has deprived many Ugandans of their only property. The increasing incorporation of rural land into municipalities in the name of creating more parliamentary constituencies is depriving peasants of their land and property on it.
Point No. 3: CONSOLIDATION OF NATIONAL UNITY & ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF SECTARIANISM.
NRM promise: End political manipulation along sectarian religious and tribal cleavages and consolidate national unity.
NRM delivery record: The creation of over 135 districts from the original 33 districts left by UPC Gov't which NRM regime Gov't demarcated virtually along tribal lines isn't national unity that NRM promised. The division of Lango sub-region into 9 districts of Alebtong, Amolatar, Apac, Dokolo, Kole, Lira, Oyam, Otuke and Kwania from the original UPC 2 District has been a disaster especially in job recruitments. Lango subregion and Uganda in General is more divided than at any time in its history. Tribal sectarianism favoring Museveni kin and kith has gone through the roof! How many Generals and Major generals in NRM army!
Point No. 4: DEFENDING & CONSOLIDATING NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE.
NRM promise: With its clear-headed leadership NRM will stop Ugandans from using their offices for self-enrichment.
NRM delivery record: Corruption particularly by senior government officials has become rampant and there seems to be no end in sight. One wonders why the clear-headed leadership has been unable to address this endemic challenge. In March 2019, you all know that Nine (9) Government officials in Lango subregion were arrested on allegations of corruption, diversion of government funds and embezzlement, among other issues by by the Head of Anti-Corruption Unit in State House, Lt. Col. Edith Nakalema, who conducted investigative meetings with the district leaders and councilors as well as wananchi of the districts of Lira, Alebtong, Dokolo and Amolatar. In Apac district including Bob Okae were in 2017 arrested and detained in police custody at Lira Central Police Station for alleged mismanagement of public funds and properties, abuse of office and incompetence. Recently the big district "fish" was again detained by parliamentary police.
Point No. 5: BUILDING INDEPENDENT, INTEGRATED & SELF-SUSTAINING NATIONAL ECONOMY.
NRM promise: increase manufacturing activities, process raw materials before export to add value and build basic industries like iron, steel and chemicals.
NRM delivery record: On balance Lango subregion and Uganda in general has suffered de-industrialization with many surviving enterprises performing below installed capacity. Lango under UPC Gov't was known as the cradle of Agro-industries e.g. spinning mill, starch factory etc. Kick-starting the overall Economy of Lango sub-region must start with starting up the growth of Agriculture industry, which is 80% of the overall economy. This means kick-starting Agro Processing Industries (API): Lira Spinning Mill (crops of cotton); Lira Starch Factory (crops of cassava); Fruit Processing Plants/Factories; Meat Cattle and Milk Cattle (Processing and Packaging Plant/factories) - Maruzi Ranch and Abattoir, as well as the Fish Farming Industry.
In a national context, Uganda continues to export raw materials with low value addition against very expensive imports including inputs into domestic industries. Uganda hasn't taken advantage of safeguards under WTO to protect domestic industries when there is unfair competition. Cheap and second hand imports such as clothes have undermined Uganda's manufacturing industries. Failure to protect home industries could be explained by incompetent staff in Uganda's Geneva embassy to secure safeguards from WTO which is located there.
Point No. 6: RESTORATION & IMPROVEMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES & REHABILITATION OF WAR-RAVAGED AREAS.
NRM promise: NRM promised to end illiteracy, poor housing and food insecurity as well as reconstruct war torn areas.
NRM delivery record: Functional illiteracy is rising, urban slums are sprawling and rural housing is overcrowded while food and nutrition security and safety are deteriorating resulting in high levels of under-nutrition particularly of women and children. Some 10 million Ugandans go to bed hungry. Close to 20% of children are born underweight because mothers are under-nourished and children are dropping out of school in large numbers largely because they are hungry.
Greater part of Lango Lango sub-region, which got greatly destroyed during the war under this regime Gov't has yet to be adequately rehabilitated. Attempts through Gov't program of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) has failed miserably in Lango subregion. The Chief Coordinator of OWC General Salim Saleh has blamed the failure of OWC on bureaucracy and delivery of inadequate farm inputs. He explained that soldiers make assessments & submit proposals demanding for specific farm inputs but the technical staff (NAADS Secretariat) supplies less something that has crippled the programme.
Point No. 7: ELIMINATION OF CORRUPTION & MISUSE OF POWER.
NRM promise: NRM will eliminate corruption once and for all.
NRM delivery record: As noted above this is an areas where NRM has a very poor record. Instead of eliminating corruption, it has spread and deepened. Again you all know the records of corruption in Lango sub-region.
Point No. 8: REDRESSING ERRORS THAT HAVE RESULTED IN DISLOCATION OF SOME SECTIONS OF THE POPULATION.
NRM promise: NRM promised to end landlessness, return grabbed land to owners, increase land productivity and end suffering of our people.
NRM delivery record: Landlessness and land grabbing have increased in Lango subregion and elsewhere in Uganda. Land productivity has declined due to loss of soil fertility because of increasing soil erosion and lack of application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The subregion has continued to rely on rain-fed agriculture and traditional low yielding seeds. Reports coming out of the most parts of Lango subregion paint a depressing picture of people losing their land and their animals and engaging in human trafficking and mobility to urban areas to make ends meet. All these troubling adversities are happening when the district has a very powerful minister assisted by a minister of state.
Point No. 11: FINANCING PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE USING INTERNAL BORROWING & CREATING EMPLOYMENT IN THE COUNTRY.
NRM promise: NRM promised construction of schools, clinics, energy stations, roads, libraries, telephones and provide clean water.
NRM delivery record: The record is mixed. Some actions have been undertaken. But the public isn't being served well. For example, electricity has been provided in some areas but it is unaffordable. Health centers have been constructed but there is acute shortage of staff, medicines and supplies. Mobile phones are available but many can't afford them and for many who have them they have become a consumer than a producer item making a bad situation worse. Network in most places is a nuisance. Moderator for today's Lango Waa program (Mr. Odongo) knows best. Maintenance of water supplies has constrained access to clean water & many areas remain without clean water.
Our former glorious schools in Lango including mighty DOC and Aduku SS have become shadow of themselves. Unemployment and under-employment have increased & youth unemployment stands at over 80%. Roads in Lango subregion are in appalling states - Lira-Kamdini road, Lira-Kampala highway. Tarmacking of Rwekunyu- Masindi Port, Apac, Lira, Puranga, Achol-bur (Kitgum) road has been sang for years.
Point No. 12: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, CAPACITY, BUILDING IN TECHNICAL& PUBLIC SERVICE SECTOR.
NRM promise: NRM promised to eliminate illiteracy, emphasized practical and technical training and reduced ineffectiveness in public service.
NRM delivery record: UPE and USE has not delivered on ending illiteracy. In fact the education system of no failing (UPE and USE) has produced functional illiteracy at all levels, necessitating recruitment of other workers from other region for local technical public jobs because most of our peoplecare less qualified. Inefficiencies in the public service have increased for lack of incentives and hiring and promoting incapable people largely based on connections and loyalty rather than competence.
Point No. 13: PRESERVATION & DEVELOPMENT OF OUR CULTURE.
NRM promise: NRM promised to preserve cultural values and material attainments.
NRM delivery record: This is an area that has been neglected. Lango cultural and ethical values are under attack by unregulated influx of foreign culture. Lango and the rest of Uganda has taken on expensive western values that are making people broke as they try to impress. Look at how our traditional dressing culture have been eroded. Anyira wa kede mon wa onyoni dong ruku bongo ongwet-ongwet loki Lwangi gini dong. Our museums and traditional monuments like earth works are being threatened by development projects.
NRM preempted discussion on the role of traditional rulers when it introduced constitutional amendments and restored traditional rulers and institutions, deprived the country of the opportunity to openly debate, negotiate and come to an agreed position on traditional and cultural institutions. In restoring traditional institutions, the government acted opportunistically to win political support among our people, after failing to intimidate the monarchies and activist from dropping their demands for a federal system of government. It subordinated traditional rulers to NRA/M rule by not spelling out powers of traditional institutions. Although traditional rulers are supposed to play cultural roles only and should not participate in politics, determining what is political depends on the president's interpretation.
It is also the president who has the powers to sanction the creation or recognition of a cultural institution. The president by his own admission is the king of kings of Ssabagabbe. Elsewhere from Lango subregion, the President has supported the creation of new kingdoms and chiefdoms which were non-existed. Such was the case of Buruuli "kingdom" whose creation was sanctioned, if not instigated by the government, to the chagrin of Buganda Kingdom. The government has also withheld recognition for the restoration of Ankole Kingdom, and the establishment of others like the Rwenzururu kingdom.
Point No. 14: CONSOLIDATION OF PROGRAMS WHICH ARE RESPONSIVE TO GENDER & MARGINALIZED GROUPS.
NRM promise: NRM promised to empower women, youth like Jenipher Bob Oyuku, workers and persons with disabilities like Dokolo District Chairman.
NRM delivery record: NRM has refused to support universal school lunch programs causing many children particularly girls to drop out of school and begin family life early. NRM has also failed to provide adequate maternal care services resulting in high maternal rate. Youth unemployment is over 80% in the subregion. Disability prevalence rates among persons 5 years and above is the highest in Lango (20%) & Acholi (17%) sub-regions and lowest in Kampala (7%). Most persons disability except are jobless and at most varanda or roadside based cobblers. The record in this area is very unsatisfactory.
Point No. 15: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION & MANAGEMENT.
NRM promise: NRM promised to manage Uganda environment sustainably.
NRM delivery record: In most rural and urban areas of Lango subregion, there is high env't deterioration. Wetlands are being cleared, deforestation is increasing, fisheries are over exploited though in the past one year they have totally restricted fishing in L. Kioga, communal herding in the past years has de-vegetated many areas, urban slums are spreading and un-regulated especially in Lira town. Environmental damage has adversely changed thermal and hydrological regimes. Warm temperatures have invited mosquitoes in previously cool areas and malaria has become a major killer in our populations without immunity. Frequent droughts and floods have adversely affected agriculture and lowered productivity and total production, resulting in food shortages in most part of the subregion.
--
-- Uganda became independent on October 9, 1962 under leadership of Late AMO. Next October 9, 2021 independent Uganda will become 59 years old. NRM has been in power for more than half of this time (35 years) under one president – His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He came to power in 1986 purportedly to clean up the place and set Uganda on the road to permanent peace, security, democracy, prosperity and happiness.
Uganda would become an industrial state within 15 years and transformed from subsistence to commercial agriculture. A middle class economy and society would be realized. He articulated his agenda in the ten (10) point program which was expanded to fifteen (15) in 1998.
Point No. 1: RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY
NRM promise: NRM promised free and fair elections at regular intervals. To be meaningful democracy must be underpinned by a reasonable standard of living for all people.
NRM delivery record: NRM has passed the test of conducting regular elections in 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021 but has failed the test on free & fair elections. All the elections have been characterized by intimidation, killings, galloping irregularities in voter registration & rigging, etc.
In January 2021 General elections, The Electoral Commission announced Incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta T. Museveni, who has ruled the country since 1986, as the winner with 58.64% of the votes although the US State Department qualified the electoral process as "fundamentally flawed" and The Africa Elections Watch coalition said they observed massively grave irregularities. The official voter turnout was 57% but is questioned since 409 polling stations were announced to have 100% voter turnout
In 2011, George Otim Nape (NRM), who lost the Kole seat to Fred Ebil Ebil (UPC) argued that irregularities coupled with election malpractice affected the results of the Kole county seat elections. For Paul Amoru, who contested on the FDC party ticket and lost to Felix Okot Ogong, the NRM party flag-bearer for Dokolo county, the whole electoral process was marred by irregularities. He alleged that the election of Okot was conducted outside the provisions of the Parliamentary Elections Act, 2005.
In 2016, about seven weeks after the close of the February 2016 polls, election disputes flooded Lira High Court. In Oyam North, former MP, Krispus Ayena Odongo (UPC) wanted court to nullify the election of Mr Charles Okello Engola (NRM) on allegations of election fraud and voter bribery. In Otuke, Mr Paul Omara, who stood on an Independent ticket, wanted the nullification of the election of NRM's Julius Peter Acon. Most of the cases filed are premised on election fraud, voter bribery and the Electoral Commission's failure to adhere to lawful procedures.
Since the 2001 presidential elections the NRM leadership has also become more intolerant and repressive. In 2001 a military general was appointed to head the Uganda Police Force. Since then, political cadres and military men have been recruited into the police force, allegedly to "improve it". Remember, these are guys with mandate to man the elections.
Point No. 2: RESTORATION OF SECURITY
NRM promise: NRM pledged to restore security of the person and property of all Ugandans.
NRM delivery record: Whether narrowly or broadly defined security of the person hasn't improved much. Of course, there have been pockets of seemingly developments in national security since the promulgation of a new constitution in 1996. The parliament has ventured in areas like conflict resolution. In 1996, with the euphoria of the "transition" to democracy after the promulgation of a new constitution and elections, the 6th Parliament extracted concession from the government of Uganda to look into the conflict in northern Uganda. However, the inclination towards military solution to internal conflicts was too strong. Besides, like all parliaments in authoritarian states, the Ugandan parliament was (and is still) weak. The presidency controls it, and it suffers from the perils of parliaments in personal states. Thus, the Parliamentary Sessional Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, which investigated the conflicts in northern Uganda ruled out peace talks with rebels, and instead recommended a military solution. This decision undermined the role of democratization in the resolution of conflicts in Lango subregion & greater northern Uganda. Nonetheless, a minority report by two members recommended peace talks. The minority reported argued that parliament should be the last institution to shut the doors to peaceful resolution of conflicts.
From then on, civil society groups sustained the search for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The government of Uganda, which prefers military solution, gave half-hearted approval to civil society initiatives.
Freedom from fear, freedom from want and freedom to live in dignity has not been achieved. If anything it has got worse. Land is the basic and for many Ugandans the only property they have. Land grabbing by unscrupulous Ugandans has deprived many Ugandans of their only property. The increasing incorporation of rural land into municipalities in the name of creating more parliamentary constituencies is depriving peasants of their land and property on it.
Point No. 3: CONSOLIDATION OF NATIONAL UNITY & ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF SECTARIANISM.
NRM promise: End political manipulation along sectarian religious and tribal cleavages and consolidate national unity.
NRM delivery record: The creation of over 135 districts from the original 33 districts left by UPC Gov't which NRM regime Gov't demarcated virtually along tribal lines isn't national unity that NRM promised. The division of Lango sub-region into 9 districts of Alebtong, Amolatar, Apac, Dokolo, Kole, Lira, Oyam, Otuke and Kwania from the original UPC 2 District has been a disaster especially in job recruitments. Lango subregion and Uganda in General is more divided than at any time in its history. Tribal sectarianism favoring Museveni kin and kith has gone through the roof! How many Generals and Major generals in NRM army!
Point No. 4: DEFENDING & CONSOLIDATING NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE.
NRM promise: With its clear-headed leadership NRM will stop Ugandans from using their offices for self-enrichment.
NRM delivery record: Corruption particularly by senior government officials has become rampant and there seems to be no end in sight. One wonders why the clear-headed leadership has been unable to address this endemic challenge. In March 2019, you all know that Nine (9) Government officials in Lango subregion were arrested on allegations of corruption, diversion of government funds and embezzlement, among other issues by by the Head of Anti-Corruption Unit in State House, Lt. Col. Edith Nakalema, who conducted investigative meetings with the district leaders and councilors as well as wananchi of the districts of Lira, Alebtong, Dokolo and Amolatar. In Apac district including Bob Okae were in 2017 arrested and detained in police custody at Lira Central Police Station for alleged mismanagement of public funds and properties, abuse of office and incompetence. Recently the big district "fish" was again detained by parliamentary police.
Point No. 5: BUILDING INDEPENDENT, INTEGRATED & SELF-SUSTAINING NATIONAL ECONOMY.
NRM promise: increase manufacturing activities, process raw materials before export to add value and build basic industries like iron, steel and chemicals.
NRM delivery record: On balance Lango subregion and Uganda in general has suffered de-industrialization with many surviving enterprises performing below installed capacity. Lango under UPC Gov't was known as the cradle of Agro-industries e.g. spinning mill, starch factory etc. Kick-starting the overall Economy of Lango sub-region must start with starting up the growth of Agriculture industry, which is 80% of the overall economy. This means kick-starting Agro Processing Industries (API): Lira Spinning Mill (crops of cotton); Lira Starch Factory (crops of cassava); Fruit Processing Plants/Factories; Meat Cattle and Milk Cattle (Processing and Packaging Plant/factories) - Maruzi Ranch and Abattoir, as well as the Fish Farming Industry.
In a national context, Uganda continues to export raw materials with low value addition against very expensive imports including inputs into domestic industries. Uganda hasn't taken advantage of safeguards under WTO to protect domestic industries when there is unfair competition. Cheap and second hand imports such as clothes have undermined Uganda's manufacturing industries. Failure to protect home industries could be explained by incompetent staff in Uganda's Geneva embassy to secure safeguards from WTO which is located there.
Point No. 6: RESTORATION & IMPROVEMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES & REHABILITATION OF WAR-RAVAGED AREAS.
NRM promise: NRM promised to end illiteracy, poor housing and food insecurity as well as reconstruct war torn areas.
NRM delivery record: Functional illiteracy is rising, urban slums are sprawling and rural housing is overcrowded while food and nutrition security and safety are deteriorating resulting in high levels of under-nutrition particularly of women and children. Some 10 million Ugandans go to bed hungry. Close to 20% of children are born underweight because mothers are under-nourished and children are dropping out of school in large numbers largely because they are hungry.
Greater part of Lango Lango sub-region, which got greatly destroyed during the war under this regime Gov't has yet to be adequately rehabilitated. Attempts through Gov't program of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) has failed miserably in Lango subregion. The Chief Coordinator of OWC General Salim Saleh has blamed the failure of OWC on bureaucracy and delivery of inadequate farm inputs. He explained that soldiers make assessments & submit proposals demanding for specific farm inputs but the technical staff (NAADS Secretariat) supplies less something that has crippled the programme.
Point No. 7: ELIMINATION OF CORRUPTION & MISUSE OF POWER.
NRM promise: NRM will eliminate corruption once and for all.
NRM delivery record: As noted above this is an areas where NRM has a very poor record. Instead of eliminating corruption, it has spread and deepened. Again you all know the records of corruption in Lango sub-region.
Point No. 8: REDRESSING ERRORS THAT HAVE RESULTED IN DISLOCATION OF SOME SECTIONS OF THE POPULATION.
NRM promise: NRM promised to end landlessness, return grabbed land to owners, increase land productivity and end suffering of our people.
NRM delivery record: Landlessness and land grabbing have increased in Lango subregion and elsewhere in Uganda. Land productivity has declined due to loss of soil fertility because of increasing soil erosion and lack of application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The subregion has continued to rely on rain-fed agriculture and traditional low yielding seeds. Reports coming out of the most parts of Lango subregion paint a depressing picture of people losing their land and their animals and engaging in human trafficking and mobility to urban areas to make ends meet. All these troubling adversities are happening when the district has a very powerful minister assisted by a minister of state.
Point No. 11: FINANCING PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE USING INTERNAL BORROWING & CREATING EMPLOYMENT IN THE COUNTRY.
NRM promise: NRM promised construction of schools, clinics, energy stations, roads, libraries, telephones and provide clean water.
NRM delivery record: The record is mixed. Some actions have been undertaken. But the public isn't being served well. For example, electricity has been provided in some areas but it is unaffordable. Health centers have been constructed but there is acute shortage of staff, medicines and supplies. Mobile phones are available but many can't afford them and for many who have them they have become a consumer than a producer item making a bad situation worse. Network in most places is a nuisance. Moderator for today's Lango Waa program (Mr. Odongo) knows best. Maintenance of water supplies has constrained access to clean water & many areas remain without clean water.
Our former glorious schools in Lango including mighty DOC and Aduku SS have become shadow of themselves. Unemployment and under-employment have increased & youth unemployment stands at over 80%. Roads in Lango subregion are in appalling states - Lira-Kamdini road, Lira-Kampala highway. Tarmacking of Rwekunyu- Masindi Port, Apac, Lira, Puranga, Achol-bur (Kitgum) road has been sang for years.
Point No. 12: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, CAPACITY, BUILDING IN TECHNICAL& PUBLIC SERVICE SECTOR.
NRM promise: NRM promised to eliminate illiteracy, emphasized practical and technical training and reduced ineffectiveness in public service.
NRM delivery record: UPE and USE has not delivered on ending illiteracy. In fact the education system of no failing (UPE and USE) has produced functional illiteracy at all levels, necessitating recruitment of other workers from other region for local technical public jobs because most of our peoplecare less qualified. Inefficiencies in the public service have increased for lack of incentives and hiring and promoting incapable people largely based on connections and loyalty rather than competence.
Point No. 13: PRESERVATION & DEVELOPMENT OF OUR CULTURE.
NRM promise: NRM promised to preserve cultural values and material attainments.
NRM delivery record: This is an area that has been neglected. Lango cultural and ethical values are under attack by unregulated influx of foreign culture. Lango and the rest of Uganda has taken on expensive western values that are making people broke as they try to impress. Look at how our traditional dressing culture have been eroded. Anyira wa kede mon wa onyoni dong ruku bongo ongwet-ongwet loki Lwangi gini dong. Our museums and traditional monuments like earth works are being threatened by development projects.
NRM preempted discussion on the role of traditional rulers when it introduced constitutional amendments and restored traditional rulers and institutions, deprived the country of the opportunity to openly debate, negotiate and come to an agreed position on traditional and cultural institutions. In restoring traditional institutions, the government acted opportunistically to win political support among our people, after failing to intimidate the monarchies and activist from dropping their demands for a federal system of government. It subordinated traditional rulers to NRA/M rule by not spelling out powers of traditional institutions. Although traditional rulers are supposed to play cultural roles only and should not participate in politics, determining what is political depends on the president's interpretation.
It is also the president who has the powers to sanction the creation or recognition of a cultural institution. The president by his own admission is the king of kings of Ssabagabbe. Elsewhere from Lango subregion, the President has supported the creation of new kingdoms and chiefdoms which were non-existed. Such was the case of Buruuli "kingdom" whose creation was sanctioned, if not instigated by the government, to the chagrin of Buganda Kingdom. The government has also withheld recognition for the restoration of Ankole Kingdom, and the establishment of others like the Rwenzururu kingdom.
Point No. 14: CONSOLIDATION OF PROGRAMS WHICH ARE RESPONSIVE TO GENDER & MARGINALIZED GROUPS.
NRM promise: NRM promised to empower women, youth like Jenipher Bob Oyuku, workers and persons with disabilities like Dokolo District Chairman.
NRM delivery record: NRM has refused to support universal school lunch programs causing many children particularly girls to drop out of school and begin family life early. NRM has also failed to provide adequate maternal care services resulting in high maternal rate. Youth unemployment is over 80% in the subregion. Disability prevalence rates among persons 5 years and above is the highest in Lango (20%) & Acholi (17%) sub-regions and lowest in Kampala (7%). Most persons disability except are jobless and at most varanda or roadside based cobblers. The record in this area is very unsatisfactory.
Point No. 15: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION & MANAGEMENT.
NRM promise: NRM promised to manage Uganda environment sustainably.
NRM delivery record: In most rural and urban areas of Lango subregion, there is high env't deterioration. Wetlands are being cleared, deforestation is increasing, fisheries are over exploited though in the past one year they have totally restricted fishing in L. Kioga, communal herding in the past years has de-vegetated many areas, urban slums are spreading and un-regulated especially in Lira town. Environmental damage has adversely changed thermal and hydrological regimes. Warm temperatures have invited mosquitoes in previously cool areas and malaria has become a major killer in our populations without immunity. Frequent droughts and floods have adversely affected agriculture and lowered productivity and total production, resulting in food shortages in most part of the subregion.
--
"When a man is stung by a bee, he doesn't set off to destroy all beehives"
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