Where is the Government?
In August, the Kiteezi Landfill disaster claimed over 30 lives. Environmentalists had warned about the dangers of overloading the site as far back as 2014, yet these alarms fell on deaf ears.
By Richard Mbayo
As we reflect on 2024, one cannot help but ask: Where is the government? This year has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging in President Museveni's 38-year rule, marked by tragedies that could have been avoided if we had a functioning and accountable administration.
The National Population Census conducted in May by UBOS is a good starting point. The reported population of 46 million people, half under the age of 30, paints a promising picture for Uganda’s future. However, beneath this statistic lies a troubling reality. Regions reported negative population growth, and many citizens claim they were never counted. How, then, did UBOS arrive at its figures?
The controversy deepens with revelations about how the current executive director secured the job, despite being third-ranked among applicants. These irregularities expose cracks in governance, leaving us questioning the integrity of our leadership.
In August, the Kiteezi Landfill disaster claimed over 30 lives. Environmentalists had warned about the dangers of overloading the site as far back as 2014, yet these alarms fell on deaf ears. Despite allocating funds annually, the government took no substantive action. The tragedy stands as a grim reminder of negligence and misplaced priorities.
October brought more heartbreak. On the 22nd, a fuel truck explosion killed 11 people, and the police fire department’s delayed response compounded the disaster. A week later, suspected cult members in Kagadi District killed eight people. The Internal Security Organization failed to act, seemingly preoccupied with monitoring political opposition rather than protecting ordinary citizens.
Then came the November rains. Landslides in Bulambuli killed over 30, and flooding in Pakwach claimed 11 lives, including a UNRA engineer. What happened to the government’s relocation programme for the Bugisu region? The same storm destroyed homes and schools in Kibuku District, affecting over 100 families. Once again, the silence from leadership was deafening.
One cannot forget the Bank of Uganda heist, where Shs60 billion vanished in an alleged hacking incident. The central bank has lacked a governor since the death of Professor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile in 2022. The absence of leadership at such a critical institution is a glaring indictment of the ruling elite’s priorities.
Meanwhile, counterfeit notes were discovered at PostBank, further eroding public trust in government institutions.
Despite these failings, the government has been notably active in some areas. From dispersing opposition rallies to deploying military tanks against protesters during the #March2Parliament campaign, it seems capable of swift action when its political survival is threatened. Protesters calling for accountability were detained en masse, their only crime being the fight against corruption.
As we approach the 2026 elections, it’s time for Ugandans to reflect on these events and make independent political decisions. For decades, voters have been swayed by material incentives like t-shirts and money, instead of choosing leaders with genuine policy-driven agendas. The tragedies of 2024 should serve as a wake-up call to prioritize governance over patronage.
So, where is the government? It’s present when suppressing dissent but absent when it comes to protecting lives and ensuring accountability. The choice is now in the hands of the people.
Mr Richard Mbayo is a political scientist, certified foot soldier, PhD student at Northern Arizona University, and an aspiring MP for Kabweri Constituency (2026).
Twitter (X): @RichardMbayo
