In a thought-provoking op-ed, Wilfred Arinda Nshekantebirwe draws parallels between the current political climate in Uganda and the historical events that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. The author references August 1991 when Soviet citizens took to the streets of Moscow, defying martial law, as a reminder of how public dissent can lead to regime change.
The article highlights JATT (Join All Tribes) as a growing threat to President Yoweri Museveni’s government. Just as Soviet citizens stood against their government, Nshekantebirwe suggests that Ugandans may be reaching a similar tipping point. The comparison underscores the potential for significant political upheaval.
Nshekantebirwe recalls an iconic moment from the Soviet era when an elderly woman confronted a young tank driver, yelling, ‘You can’t do this! We are the ones who fed you when you were hungry!’ This anecdote serves as a powerful metaphor for the disconnect between leadership and the people they govern.
The op-ed warns that JATT’s rise could be the catalyst for Museveni’s downfall. By invoking historical precedents, Nshekantebirwe emphasizes the fragility of authoritarian regimes when faced with widespread public opposition. The article serves as both a warning and a call to action, urging Ugandans to consider their collective power.
As Uganda grapples with political tensions, the op-ed serves as a reminder that history often repeats itself when governments fail to address the needs and aspirations of their people. JATT’s influence looms large in this narrative, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for change.