“The quick pain of truth can pass away, but the slow eating agony of a lie is never lost.” This quote justifies Joel senyonyi, the man whom Dean Lubowa alledges to have selfishly pocketed about shs 1.7 billion (one thousand seven hundred million) tax prayers’ money is the weakest leader of opposition to have ever graced our mother land.
From Basil Kiiza Bataringaya (then DP secretary general) who was the first leader of opposition in 1962 upon attainment of independence through Latim Alexander Alija, Dr Paul Kawanga Ssemwogere, Prof Ogenga Latigo, Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, Hon Wafula Ogutu, Hon Winnie Kiiza, Hon Betty Aol Ocan to Hon Mathias Mpuuga, the current LOP Hon Joel senyonyi doesn’t even weigh a half of any of the LOP emeritus.
Of all the frictional resistances, the one that most retards human movement is ignorance but the worst is disguised intelligence. Joel has failed to offer inclusive leadership to all members of the opposition. His predecessors had the whole opposition behind them and commanded respect in totality. I haven’t seen Senyonyi command even 60% of opposition Members of parliament whenever there has been a cause, not even from his NUP members of the house. Actually he is seen as someone’s stoog by a reasonable number of MPs. This is a signal that he has big gaps in his leadership.
He hasn’t set the agenda on issues like the economy and electoral reforms. We haven’t seen a spirited fight to press government on key economic reforms the way Nandala Mafabi did during walk to work. Similarly, he has done nothing to advocate for electoral reforms and looks comfortable to run again for the election in 2026 under the same conditions he makes noise in corridors.
He has also failed to mobilise supporters countrywide in order to build a critical mass around issues the way we saw Winnie Kiiza during the famous age limit (Togikwatako) fight.
Hasn’t packaged a clear message beyond just the need to remove Museveni from power. He has no agenda for the country apart from removing Museveni yet the challenges of this country stretch beyond an individual.
Lack of concrete alternative policy proposals on the economy, public service, security, infrastructure, service delivery, among others. Forexample, he offered no alternative to the Kitezi incident other than selfishly visiting the scene and uttering uncalled for statements for political mileage. He even failed to rally the opposition in parliament to press government for an alternative measure.
His leadership has been marred by disunity, failed alliances, inter-party and intra-party fighting. He has failed to unite the members of parliament from his own party for a common cause. Likewise, majority of members parliament from other parties like DP, UPC, FDC haven’t united for a common cause on various occasions. This is justified by the new bill introduced by DP’s Lumu of recent which seeks to participate in the election of Leader of Opposition in parliament by all opposition MPs.
He has completely been unsuccessful in mobilizing funds from supporters to finance opposition activities. Actually he is just enjoying the billions which the government directly injects into the office of LOP.
He has made no attempts to shed off urban/elitist image to embrace the rural population that constitutes more than 80% of voters. This explains why NRM is a dominant force in rural areas.
He acts out of emotions and hate. Too much hatred dysfunctions reasoning and this makes most of his actions look a one mans show.
His reasoning is lacking. He is not guided by facts in most cases. Worst of all, most of the opposition MPs have come out to accuse him of not consulting from them in making key decisions. This is absolute selfishness.
All these failures portrays him as a disgrace and are fatal in the ongoing acrimony in the opposition.
These failures and the ongoing disunity have helped Museveni and his NRM consolidate his grip on power. NRM is busy preparing for it’s forth coming internal elections and intensive mobilisation ahead of 2026 general elections.
True freedom comes not from indulging in or satisfying our desires, but from learning to control and ultimately eliminate them. Desires often lead to attachments and disturbances, which can cause suffering. By focusing on what is within our control, our thoughts, judgments, and reactions, we can achieve inner peace and freedom from external circumstances. Eliminating selfish desires helps us to remain indifferent to things outside our control, leading to a more tranquil and autonomous life.
The writer, George Mubiru, is a researcher, political analyst and Ass. RCC Jinja City.
Tel. 0754877595
Email: georgemubiru93@gmail.com
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