Simon Peter Musoke
2 November 2008
opinion
I strongly believe that very few Ugandans were surprised by the reported bashing and "sour grapping" by the Uganda's Minister of National Guidance; and indeed government spokesperson, over former Botswana president Festus Mogae's, being named this year's winner of the $5 million Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.
The Daily Monitor reported on October 21 that Mr Kirunda Kivejinja said that "what is five million dollars? ...We are not excited about those rewards because the problems of Africa are more than monetary offers".
For goodness sake, Sir, this is not about money, it is recognition for a service well-rendered to the people of Africa.
While announcing the selection of Mr Mogae, Mr Kofi Annan, the chairman of the selection committee said Mr Mogae was chosen because of his "outstanding leadership [that] has ensured Botswana's continued stability and prosperity in the face of an HIV/Aids pandemic which threatened the future of his country and people."
This waters down Uganda's stance that this award diverts attention of elected officials from undertaking "serious and core issues that matter to Africa" as is alleged to have been the minister's response.
Now, what matters to Africa today more than the fight against diseases like HIV and the issue of political, economic and social stability Hon. Minister, if I may ask for your guidance? What serious issues are those that escaped the eyes and wisdom of this highly regarded committee?
This prize is meant to recognise and celebrate the exceptional works of democratically elected African leaders who leave State power after expiry of their constitutional tenure.
We all know that the Ugandan president got disqualified at the start, since he is widely believed to have worked hard to ensure an unholy amendment of an untested constitutional provision and scrapped the presidential term limits; and has twice had his election challenged and pronounced fraudulent by the highest court in our land.
The fact that the criteria used entailed a wholesome 57 areas of assessment is indicative enough of how accommodative and diverse in perspective the vetting was/is to allow any leader to compete favourably.
When ours does not measure up, we should accept and inform our leader that he is "naked" as it were; then work out means of correcting the mess and try to measure up to the standards.
Given Uganda's performance in a number of governance areas one understands when a minister 'sour grapes' over this award since he knows very well that our leader is no where competitive and since it is not easy to accept it, the president's courtiers have the shameful duty of trying to water down such things as awards for good governance /leadership. National Guidance indeed!
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