INDEPENDENT, ARE WE???

Do we really have to celebrate Independence? Are we really independent? Do you know what independence is? What do we have to show for independence? Blah…blah…blah…blah…

Yes I know most of us may not quite be in the celebratory spirit of the 51 years our beloved motherland has attained of self rule, liberty, self determination, autonomy and self government because of so many loopholes you may have noticed. Yes it is okay to feel that way but it is also okay to observe a moment of silence for some of the good things this government has brought forth to us, what they are, not sure but your guess is as good as mine and celebrate! So having put aside the grudges we hold for this government, let us remember that we are 'technically' independent which deserves to be applauded and yes that's why we are getting the holiday.

It is in this spirit that I want to extend my blissful congratulations to all you proud Ugandans for having reached the 51st Independence Day celebrations!!! This year's theme is:

Re-energizing Uganda's development potential; middle income status achievable.

While reflecting on Uganda's Vision 2014, I recalled that Uganda’s Vision is “A transformed Ugandan society from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within 30 years”. This involves changing from a predominantly low income to a
competitive upper middle income country within 30 years. It is envisaged that the country will graduate to the middle income segment by 2017 and reach a per capita of USD 9,500 by 2040. Over the last 50 years, Uganda has made significant development progress. Since the mid 1980, the economy has moved from recovery to growth. A number of economic policies and programs such as the Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPS), Economic Recovery Program (ERP), and Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) have been successfully implemented leading to a boost in economic growth. Since 2002, the economy grew consistently at an average of 6.4% and has since built momentum to take off, although I think currently this growth is moving backwards. Anyway, that's my opinion, you have yours too.

However amidst this 'steadfast' growth, our dearest motherland has faced some strategic bottlenecks that have constrained her socio-economic development since her independence including ideological disorientation, weak private sector, under developed human resources, inadequate infrastructure, small market, lack of industrialization, dilapidated public service sector, under development of agriculture, poor or some may argue lack of democracy, the killer Public Order Management bill and constantly shrinking public space for advocacy work, among others.

Amidst these trials and tribulations, one is forced to quit hiding one's head in the ground with the upper body in the air and start asking the hard questions like: Can government give accountability on this year's thematic area? What went wrong and what can the citizenry do to attain this middle status income? What operational mechanisms has the government of Uganda put in place to rectify this situation? Are they workable? Is Visio 20140 just that...a vision or can it be actualized? Who is the visionary leader that has been empowered to run with this national vision? Are they able to? Does their leadership have purpose, conviction, vision and passion? Is their leadership inspirational? Does it have followers, is it influential?

Well...I could go on and on but I remember it is 'Independence Day CELEBRATIONS' therefore I will just congratulate you all and wish you a ballistic 51st Independence day celebrations!!! The celebrations shall be in Rukungiri district and our very own visionary leader will be the chief guest. Walk with vision full of purpose as you celebrate!!!

flavia.kalule@fowode.org