BY S Kwagala
Discussions on tribalism in Uganda have taken a center stage in recent days arising from Robert Kyagulanyi’s remarks during his Luwero tour.
The leader of the National Unity Platform has been accused by some members of the public for promoting sectarianism and division after he made strong remarks in Luwero during one his country tours .
While there he made remarks accusing the ruling of government of having intentions to eventually force Baganda off their land , for instance at the lake Victoria side.
Since then, different stake holders have taken this as an opportunity to reflect on the reality of the matter within the country.
This morning during the Morning Breeze Show at NBS television, Dr. Ssentongo Spire , a socio analyst mentioned that it is time the issue is addressed and not shied away from.
“We should be able to ask ourselves as a country, is this issue of tribalism real? Identity is such that you don’t just wish it away.
Ethnic identity in itself is not a problem, the problem is how we relate and deal with diversity.”
One of the respondents to the discussion names as Calabash Man via X noted that the response towards Bobi Wine’s comments was just a trigger to emotions that have all along been buried .
“What has sparked this whole debate is awakening of sentiments most have buried in the sand. When we look at responses to the statement BW made, there seems to be a regional imbalance which is synonymous with them saying: all is fine as is. We should fight this vice together.”
Dan Kimosho, MP Kazo County with Spire noted that being that the issue of tribalism is so real and cause far adverse effects , it should not be used to promote sensationalism.
“My condemnation is to anyone who wants to make it normal to use popularism to get any benefit.
Tribalism is real and we should have a consensus to discuss but not use it as a step to incite the public.”
Meanwhile, higher institutions of learning like Kyambogo University have similarly been accused of promoting tribalism in its Top Management.
A list of 11 names of its Top Management was sent out via X indicating that only about 3 people were from other regions other than the Western region.
However another publication of a list of 16 names of members of Top management was put up by the university management dismissing the claims stating that; ” We would like to address false narratives on social media regarding the composition of the university’s top management. These claims which aim at promoting division and sectarianism ,omit the names of officers of Top Management from other regions.”
The omitted being the Director IT services – Dr. John Okuonzi , the Deputy Vice Chancellor , Academic Affairs -Professor Maria G.N Musoke and the University Librarian – Dr. Eliz Nassali State. The other is the University Engineer -Kalule Patrick, to make the 16.
The analysts recommend that as a country we have failed to discuss tribalism to bring healing, instead people that point it out are silenced .