On Saturday, one of Uganda’s most outspoken military and political figures, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, made remarks that shocked many Ugandans and caused a stir throughout the country.
Gen. Otafiire one of the guerilla war bush heroes and current Minister of Internal Affairs is well-known for his candour and blunt commentary. However while speaking at the 29th graduation of Kampala International University, his speech sounded like a “voice of reckoning” and Joshua’s trumpet waking up young people to start marching around the Jerico walls to liberate this country.
His speech forcefully brought attention to important problems such as corruption that the nation is currently experiencing. And cautioned young people to wake up and fight to liberate their country from gross problems such as corruption and attain freedom because their stay as old people is over.
“Don’t allow people to tell that we’re stealing on your behalf, leaders don’t steal, we dont elect them to steal! Nobody worth their selves should glorify corruption…… you steal ten and share one and then say you stole on our behalf, no. Did we send you to steal? If you’re in leadership, you have to be upright and accountable, those of you in the authority stop confusing demand for accountability with hate speech.
Young people, I want to challenge you! The struggle for freedom and justice should not be in vain……….I graduated 50 years ago, so you can imagine how long I have to go, it’s not very long. May be some 10 or 15 years but for you, you still have some 50, or 60 years ahead. Don’t accept to pay the price we have paid for you to repay for what we have gained on your behalf no. Stand up and tell us enough is enough, you have to stop here!
What we are managing is not ours, not our estates it’s your resources. We are managing your resources and we are in power with your will and authority. Therefore, young people, I implore you, to pick the button where we have stopped and struggle for freedom for mankind and yourselves!!”
Following a recent survey, General Kahinda Otafiire’s speech has left many government leaders perplexed, especially at a time when corruption in government offices is a hot topic. In his address, General Otafiire aimed at politicians who have started defending their corrupt practices under the guise of sharing benefits with their electorates. This practice has been particularly evident among members of Parliament who have defended colleagues currently facing corruption charges in court.
The issue of accountability among Ugandans gained momentum last year on Twitter, now called X, as people began exposing the lavish lifestyles some politicians lead at the taxpayers’ expense.
Following a recent survey, General Kahinda Otafiire’s speech has left many government leaders perplexed, especially at a time when corruption in government offices is a hot topic.
In his address, General Otafiire aimed at politicians who have started defending their corrupt practices under the guise of sharing benefits with their electorates. This practice has been particularly evident among members of Parliament who have defended colleagues currently facing corruption charges in court.
The issue of accountability among Ugandans gained momentum last year on Twitter, now called X, as people began exposing the lavish lifestyles some politicians lead at the taxpayers’ expense. However, most implicated individuals did not come forward to defend themselves, dismissing the campaigns as blackmail, cyberbullying and hate speeches. In his speech, General Otafiire warned leaders against confusing the demand for accountability with hate speech.
General Otafiire’s speech has been welcomed by many opposition politicians, led by Robert Kyagulanyi, who posted on his X handle: “The call for young people to rise up and redeem our nation before it is too late now comes from a senior regime official. ‘Stand up and tell us enough is enough!’ ~ Kahinda Otafiire.”
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