By Lt Col Rtd Dr Damian Kato Abooki, Political Analyst
I have served, retired, and observed. From my personal point of view, the 2031/6 endorsement model towards Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba is not about a person. It is about how we build Uganda peacefully.
For years we have known one method: call people early into mass rallies, draw lines of political wars, and end in clashes. I have seen it cost lives without adding development.
The 2031 model is a fundamental change. To understand it, we must understand three things I always talk about:
- Patriotism – Love for your home.
It is a feeling. You love Uganda not because it pays you, but because it is your home.
A patriotic LC1 does not eat the PDM money. A patriotic soldier does not beat the citizen he protects. A patriotic opposition does not burn the country because he lost.
Patriotism asks: “What can I do for Uganda?”
- Nationalism – Knowing we are one family.
We are 56 tribes, but one nation. Being Ugandan must be bigger than being Muganda, Acholi, Munyankole or Musoga.
You don’t ask if a road in Karamoja benefits you in Mbarara. You support it because Karamoja is Uganda.
Nationalism asks: “Are we putting Uganda first, or tribe/party first?”
- Nation-building – The actual work.
This is what I mean by nationary. If patriotism is love and nationalism is unity, nation-building is the house we build.
When you embrace the 2031/6 endorsement peacefully at your door with a signature instead of fighting in the street, you are building the nation.
When courts handle political detainees expeditiously, they are building the nation.
When we focus on PDM, Emyooga, UPE/USE instead of political wars, we are building the nation.
Nation-building asks: “What are we doing today to make Uganda stronger for our children in 2031?”
In one sentence: Patriotism is I LOVE Uganda. Nationalism is WE ARE Uganda. Nation-building is LET US BUILD Uganda.
How the 2031 Gen Muhoozi Model Fits:
It is patriotic because it promotes peace, tranquility and togetherness over confrontation.
It is nationalistic because it calls all – NRM, Opposition, PLU, UPC, DP – to one table. The endorsement is on your doors for all Ugandans.
It is nation-building because it professionalizes the army. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is not seasonal, who knows the security architecture, offers continuity that allows the UPDF to guarantee transition.
To religious leaders, guide, don’t compete. We the laity are watching and ready to discern.
To security personnel, thank you for serving. Keep it up.
To Judiciary, Executive and Legislature, you are independent for a reason. Help promote and improve this transition model.
Afande Mzee, H.E the CIC, thank you for good leadership that allows us to debate this in peace.
What will build 2031/6 as a success is you and I receiving it in good faith.
About the author;Â
Lt Col Rtd Dr Damian Kato Abooki
Private Citizen – Not a spokesperson for PLU, UPDF, Government or LC1.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a spokesperson for PLU, not for UPDF, not for Government, and not even for LC1. I write strictly in my personal capacity as a private citizen.
