Open letter to Lt. Col. Nakalema: Beware of malicious whistleblowers

Dear Lt Col Edith Nakalema

I hope you are doing okay, Afande.

I am excited that your anti-corruption unit has proved to be a biting dog.

Since your appointment as the anti-corruption czar in State House, we, the wananchi have seen a number of arrests, which we know are right activities to keep the thieves, once comfortable in their offices, on their tenterhooks.

For you have proved your critics wrong, and of course the naysayers who waited to laugh at you in case you became another armchair bureaucrat, enjoying air conditioned rooms and fat allowances.

However, your anti-corruption unit with almost no budget, is shaking walls and doors of the corrupt wherever they are.

Now I have a prayer.

As usual, Uganda’s smartest are the real monsters.

They know where to go to help their game on their way to the top.

Many, I think, have realized you are the new no-nonsense person in the government, and one of these days, you are going to find yourself captive by these forces.

What do I mean?

Several powerful people have been here before. The wrong guys identified them. Since they are very smart, they also studied the weaknesses and strengths of where power lies.

I should be preaching to the converted. You have worked so close to power for long enough to realize that. Unfortunately, when power is removed from the trailblazers, sooner than later, the users pull away and disappear behind the curtains.

This is what I am starting to realize. I was among those clapping my hands when I saw you arresting those land officials in Wakiso.

You also netted the Uganda Revenue guys in West Nile. And I think some fellow in Mbarara.

Recently, I have seen you in banks, then, news came that you are investigating the Inspector General of Government and then, National Water and Sewerage Corporation.

Lt Colonel, I smell fish. I wonder who wants to see you tying a rope around your neck.

It is okay when people volunteer information, however, I beg you start by investigating the motive of the volunteer of information. Secondly, to assess the best way to approach every scenario at hand.

See, Afande, NWSC is a case of business competition, which gets looped into political rivalry.

I am here wondering how Dr Silver Mugisha would not support his wife Annette Katusiime to contest in Bushenyi district, if so she wants to.

That is a role of a husband.

And many husbands, including the president, are supporting their family members. I am certain, even you, support your family in all ways you can. It is the right thing to do if you have an opportunity.

I saw another stupid allegation that Mugisha is recruiting only Banyakore into NWSC. Really? Is tribalism an argument one can put forward in Uganda? Oh my!

Dr Mugisha could be faulted if he picked NWSC money and donated to his wife, but he has never done anything like that. However, it is healthy if her opponent challenged Dr Mugisha and proved if he was corrupt or not. And maybe that is all you are interested in.

NWSC has largely been a well performing institution, compared to many rotten government agencies you and I know very well. However, it has even been performing much better since Mugisha took over, taking piped water to more than 150 towns of Uganda from a mere 20-something during William Muhairwe days.

The other day, it was Post Bank.

For a volatile banking sector that banking is, the people who advised you to raid the bank in commando style, should be investigated themselves. Because, banks deal in trust. And trust is like virginity, once broken, it is gone.

Now, we have seen raids on banks in the past years.

It started as rumours that Crane Bank was up for grabs, then, it would be closed. Before Bank of Uganda came out to issues a statement, the bank was bleeding. And of course, its closure is well talked about subject. Why then, does one condone off a bank simply because some whistleblower, who happens to be a former worker of the bank, suspended for being found guilty of dubious transactions, now wants a revenge. I pray the almighty delivers you from the hands of vengeful people as you carry out your assignment dutifully.

Colonel, I want to sign out, in the interest of time. However, I strongly caution you to watch the steps of your enemies.

These same people are hiding behind goat skins but are the wolves that would feed on you once you fall on the sword they have laid for you.

Once again, thanks for putting up a visible fight against corruption, and I pray you move to the right dens infested with the stinking corrupt lot.

Yours

Mwebe Vincent