Respect Dissenting Views




The debate on the removal of the age limit exposed Uganda as one which does not tolerate dissenting views on any matter by the manner in which the NRM, police and other militia chastised those who held dissenting views on the matter while protecting those in support. Uganda is a democratic Country (or supposed to be) and this means that certain rights are non-negotiable. Our dear constitution gives us the right to express our opinions on any subject and further enjoins citizens to participate in the affairs of government individually or in association with others especially on how they should be governed.



As we near the 2021 elections, the ghosts are back! It is wrong to assume that only one party has a right to speak over the others and that anyone else with a contrary view is an enemy of the state. In any democracy, critique is healthy as it tends to see deeper what would otherwise been neglected. There have been several debates going on such as the specialized Lubowa Hospital development, the conduct of the preliminary business of the revival of the Uganda Airlines, extra judicial killings among others and those with a dissenting view have been shunned and labeled saboteurs. You can’t suffocate one side of the public and protect the other and you call it a healthy discussion! This is something else but not democracy! Democracy demands that each sides presents their views unabated.



It is therefore unconstitutional to disrupt, stop dissenting voices especially for a democracy, if any such as Uganda. Those who fear dissenting views are not ready for democracy and we cannot pretend about it! A free society is one we all envisage where rights are respected and protected by the state.



We need to respect every Individual’s views because it is their right! Clumping down Civic Organizations and Individuals for raising their voices is not only undemocratic but also cowardice. Even as we near the 2021 elections, we should exercise utmost discipline and respect for the dissenting views and opinions since we are a multi-party country and it is also everyone’s right to form, hold and express an opinion.


By:
Michael Aboneka

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