OPINION
Editor, Its only 3 days remaining for Ugandan to decide choosing new leaders starting from the president to the member of parliaments.
During 2021 elections we witnessed young people who are patriots shed blood and die because of the violence, misuse of law and conflict of interest. Uganda is a democratic country where every citizen who owns a national ID is allowed to vote and decide on his or her own. However, it’s unfortunate that even with the laws in place, people still oppose and do what they want to do and this results into danger to the normal Ugandans.
To my fellow country men and women, don’t you think it’s high time to have peaceful elections this time? Let’s look back in the last election period, some lost their loved ones, others were traumatized, tortured, arrested, kidnapped and up to date other activists are still in cells.
It’s important to know that all the chaos we create affects us and our families not the contested leaders. Last month, as an organizer , feminist who protects and defends the environmental , land and human rights of the marginalized communities , I facilitated a session with the youth activists and encouraged them to take their of themselves and mind about their wellbeing amidst and post elections because they still have another life to live after this period.
During my session, youth showed how there are patriotic and how they love their country, which is very good and interesting, however I shared with them that if they die they will die for their family not for Uganda. The country will continue moving forward and their dreams, goals will be shuttered. I too bring this message to the whole nation and encourage them to respect the law so that the law also respects us. It’s very possible that we can have a peace election that will not shed blood of innocent citizens.
To our leaders both the contestant and old regime, as we choose you this year we expect to see positive change in our country. We expect leaders who are not self-centered, corrupt, leaders who will protect and defend our environment from any factors that contribute climate crisis such as fossil fuels, Leaders who will prioritize investments in Green Economic Alternatives such as Renewable Energy, fishing, tourism, agriculture and forestry. These alternatives are in position to boost the country’s GDP amidst the USA sanctions on Funding cuts.
We expect to see leaders who protects Environmental Women Human Right Defenders (EWHRD) and defends their principals of non-discrimination and equality, independence, and non-violence. We want leaders who prioritize environmental protection and recognize that climate change does not affect every one equally, and that everyone especially marginalized women, rural women, youth elderly and children are often hit first, hardest even though they contribute least to the problem. Leaders who will address systems like patriarchy, colonialism, racism and exploitation that intersects limiting people’s lives and support marginalized women , youth and men to speak for themselves and make decisions about their lives.
Lastly, leaders who will work hand in hand with communities, activists, CSOs to promote Gender and Climate Justice, those who will say NO to fossil fuels (EACOP) and Yes to Renewables to end energy poverty in our country.
In conclusion, as we decide, let’s remember that valuing care work, emotional labor, healing and collective wellbeing is as essential not invisible during elections and post elections.
For God and my Country
By Ireen Twongirwe,
The writer is the Executive Director
Women for Green Economy Movement (WOGEM) Uganda
www.wogemuganda.org
