The Illusion of Change: How Politicians Pursue Self-Interest Over Public Good

Thomas Sowell once said, and I quote, "Politics is the art of making your selfish desires seem like the national interest."

Politicians have, time and again, proven this to be true. When they campaign, preaching their manifestos and promising all the good they will do for the people, you can hear the enthusiasm and charisma in their voices.

In those moments, you think, Finally, change is knocking.

But once these individuals assume power, reality hits hard. Many are simply power-hungry and will do anything to retain their positions.

A recent example is the National Unity Platform (NUP) by-elections, where the party selected what they deemed the best candidate for both the people of Kawempe North and the party itself.

However, the unfolding events surrounding the Kawempe North by-election offer a compelling case study on how political ambitions can sometimes overshadow a commitment to public service.

Muhammad Lusswa Luwemba, formerly an aide to the late MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, announced his independent candidacy after failing to secure the NUP endorsement.

Despite his loyalty to the party, Luwemba expressed disappointment with NUP’s choice of city lawyer Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola as their flag bearer. The question becomes, is this indecency run for the people or selfish ambitions?

Similarly, others have abandoned their parties in pursuit of affiliations they believe will increase their chances of securing parliamentary seats in the next elections.

This situation highlights a broader issue: politicians often prioritise personal ambitions over collective goals. Luwemba's actions including changing his name and religion to align more closely with his late mentor appear to be a strategic move to gain favor, raising questions about the authenticity of such transformations.

His decision to run independently, despite his professed loyalty to NUP, further underscores how personal ambitions can disrupt party cohesion and weaken opposition efforts in the by-election.

This scenario is not unique to Uganda. Globally, political actors frequently engage in power struggles that prioritise self-interest over public service.

For instance, in the United States, recent actions by political leaders have been criticised for undermining democratic institutions in an effort to consolidate power signalling a shift towards authoritarian practices.

The Kawempe North by-election serves as a microcosm of a widespread issue in politics: the tendency of individuals to prioritise personal power over genuine public service. Such actions not only fragment political movements but also erode public trust in democratic institutions.