In the ever-receding space for dissent in Uganda,
we need to continually create shock absorbers and tension deterrents for the
people and government. Our history of bloodshed disqualifies war as an alternative
solution to our differences and so dialogue is the way to go.
In the post- independence era, Uganda has gone
through civil wars, coup-d'etats and turmoil yet here we are inspite of the
journey that got us here. In the wake of our desire to create a better Uganda
for ourselves and those coming after us, we need to encourage dialogue on how
we get ahead in our journey as a Nation.
The Uganda National Dialogue convened by the Inter-Religious
Council of Uganda and The Elders Forum Uganda, is one unprecedented platform working
towards “The Uganda we want. For a successful process, the inclusion and
participation of the local citizenry is paramount. Platforms at the grassroots,
therefore, must be created to cultivate a national character of the dialogue.
At its
fulcrum, the national dialogue should be inclusive and citizen owned. We want a dialogue that is not
just a project but rather a soul searching reflection to fix our existential
political, economic and social issues. This dialogue can stop Ugandans from
plunging into a war or civil uprising; the National dialogue is framed to
provide adequate platforms for all stakeholders to channel their ideas and opinions.
Incorporation of discussions and debate on local,
national and international levels as a means for local and regional officials
to hear the community views on public issues is of great importance. The upside
of an informed citizenry is that they can hold their leaders accountable and
task them to perform better and improve service delivery to their
constituencies. It is therefore imperative for us to push for dissemination of
information on dialogue to the smallest unit of governance in Uganda.
In fostering dialogue, we can find working
solutions within our communities, using a blend of traditional informal systems
like local and city council meetings and new digital solutions for dialogue like social media, video
interfaces, and mobile applications among others. Civic engagement reaffirms
the need for inclusion and transparency and deliberate public participation.
Broad participation can be achieved by linking local dialogues to the national
dialogue and that can be fully realized in the public consultations on the eight
thematic issues highlighted by the dialogue.
Adding digital
solutions to dialogue in the wake of digital space dominance can improve citizen
participation by continuing civic dialogue online. Ugandans can then use the available
platforms to raise funds, track on the progress of the dialogue within their
communities and follow media appearances of their leaders and conveners.
Key to note is that dialogue is not necessarily absent
in our society but in abeyance. We are a generation that would rather talk at
each other than talk to each other. As Ugandans, we need to champion ownership
of change and in discourse we make room for civic engagement and public
legitimacy of the dialogue process.
Therefore, educating Ugandans on how dialogue processes
work influences their participation because an enlightened citizenry is more
aligned to ask for better service delivery, accountability and engagement. With
an agenda that addresses the underlying issues of our country, a clear mandate
on all processes that the National dialogue will undertake, we can use the best
practices herein to achieve our desired goal and vision for a better Uganda.
Tricia Gloria Nabaye.
RESEARCH
FELLOW AT GREAT LAKES INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES
