Former opposition leader and ex-president of Uganda’s Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, Dr. Kiiza Besigye, has called for robust mechanisms to hold leaders accountable, citing the unrest in neighboring Kenya as a cautionary tale.
Besigye's comments were made during the launch of the African Public Square by the Africa Leadership Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday morning. He emphasized the importance of checking the power of all leaders to prevent crises similar to Kenya's recent nationwide youth-led anti-tax protests. These protests have tragically resulted in over 20 deaths and numerous injuries.
Addressing the audience, Besigye highlighted the pervasive issue of greed, which he believes affects both the younger and older generations equally. “I see the problems across all generations, but I don't view them as generational issues. The young are just as greedy and selfish as the old. Unless we establish mechanisms to check anyone exercising power, regardless of age, we will face ongoing issues,” Besigye asserted.
Meanwhile, the situation in Kenya has escalated significantly. According to the BBC, the Kenyan High Court has sanctioned the use of military force to restore order after several days of intense protests that overwhelmed the police. This judicial decision reflects the gravity of the unrest, which has seen protesters clash violently with security forces.
On the streets of Nairobi, armored military vehicles were deployed, and police utilized tear gas to disperse crowds who had threatened to storm the presidential palace. The deployment of military forces underscores the severity of the situation and the government's determination to maintain control.
The judge who authorized the military intervention emphasized the necessity of protecting government installations. However, the court has mandated that authorities provide a detailed explanation within two days regarding the duration of the military deployment and the specific rules of engagement.
Besigye’s remarks underscore a broader concern about leadership and governance in Africa. He argues that without proper accountability mechanisms, any leader—regardless of age—can fall prey to the same vices of greed and selfishness. His call to action is a plea for structural changes to ensure leaders are kept in check and held responsible for their actions.
As Kenya grapples with its internal strife, Besigye’s words resonate as a reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in leadership to prevent similar crises in other nations. His insights highlight the importance of addressing systemic issues that contribute to unrest and ensuring that leaders serve the public good rather than personal interests.
