It is deeply regrettable and profoundly disheartening for our cherished nation, Uganda, and Nyabushozi County in particular, that we, the youth of this revered “Pearl of Africa,” have succumbed to archaic, divisive, and retrogressive behaviors.
These actions reflect a grave lack of patriotism, revealing an alarming indifference to the future of our generation, our children, and generations yet unborn.
As an aspiring candidate for Nyabushozi Member of Parliament for the 2026–2031 term, I entered the race late, only two months before the primaries, driven by overwhelming public demand for solutions to critical social service shortages and my personal conviction to serve.
Despite the brief campaign period from May 12 to the July 17 NRM primaries, I have observed, experienced, and concluded with deep dismay the following:
The Erosion of Patriotism in NRM Ideology
The cornerstone of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ideology—patriotism, the bedrock of our democracy and socio-economic transformation—is glaringly absent. As both a candidate and a concerned citizen, I have witnessed a generation driven not by love for country but by opportunism, self-interest, and a ruthless pursuit of power for personal gain.
Sociologist Andrea Baumeister defines patriotism as a “feeling of attachment and commitment to a country, nation, or political community.” In Nyabushozi, this attachment is conspicuously missing. Patriotism, at its core, is the love of one’s country—a willingness to sacrifice, even one’s life, for its protection and progress.
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy further describes it as “love of one’s country, identification with it, and special concern for its well-being and that of compatriots.”
Yet, I ask my fellow candidates: to what extent did you embody patriotism in your campaign for Nyabushozi’s votes? Was it patriotic to rely on deceit, empty promises, and handouts of cheap alcohol in exchange for support? Instead of addressing the core challenges facing our people with practical, tangible solutions, many resorted to manipulating voters with temporary inducements.
A Call to NRM Leadership
Mr. Chairman of the NRM Party, our revered Father of the Nation, the Paragon of Virtue, and Fountain of Honor: are these the ideals for which you and your comrades fought in the NRM/NRA struggle? Is it patriotic for a candidate to secure votes exceeding the total registered voters in the NRM register?
Is it acceptable to bribe agents to steal opponents’ appointment letters and posters, intimidate and assault agents across sub-counties, or distribute petty cash in the dead of night to sway disgruntled voters? Can we call ourselves patriotic cadres of the NRM when we ferry outsiders into the constituency to vote, escorted by armed plainclothes operatives? Is this patriotism or democracy?
The recruitment of registrars loyal to specific candidates has led to widespread distortion and fraud, resulting in chaos that halted voting at several polling stations. Most appallingly, some candidates cynically delivered long-overdue services—tractors, bridges, security lights—only during campaigns, particularly on election day, to manipulate voters. Such actions betray the very essence of patriotism.
Democracy Under Siege
The pillar of democracy, defined as “the power of the people” or governance reflecting the will of the people, has been gravely wounded by these unpatriotic acts. Without patriotism, we breed impunity, corruption, bribery, intimidation, and fraud, undermining the will of the people. In Nyabushozi, the candidate the people desire is not the one declared the winner, rendering our democracy hollow and under siege.
Socio-Economic Transformation at Risk
As a practicing economist, certified project manager, and bulletproof manager in leadership, I have empirically demonstrated that democracy and socio-economic transformation—the process of improving living standards through better economic conditions (income, employment) and social factors (health, education)—depend on patriotism. Political contenders must prioritize the nation and its people over personal egos. Voters, in turn, must elect trusted, tested, and incorruptible leaders with proven track records and result-oriented manifestos that address critical bottlenecks.
A Call for Justice and Reform
The NRM primaries in Nyabushozi were marred by fraud and irregularities that demand a thorough legal investigation to rectify these wrongs for the sake of our beloved county. As an aspiring MP focused on economic revolution, I am committed to advancing socio-economic development through patriotism and true democracy. Only by restoring these values can we achieve meaningful progress.
The author contested in the recent NRM primaries in Nyabushozi
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