The Uganda-Brics Marriage is Childless

When I read an editorial of Weekend Vision entitled “Uganda can gain a lot from BRICS," I was intrigued. I could not believe this group of people who knew Uganda’s history quite well was somewhat rejoicing over a phenomenon they could do better to understand would mean nothing to Uganda as long as there was no genuine and credible internal reset of ideology, political and economic discipline, leadership charisma and will, as well as mindset, among other factors that foster development overall. I thought they understood well enough that without a genuine internal shift, every external step disguised as an internal one was bound to come tumbling to the ground like a rotten papaya fruit.

I can only compare Kampala's step to that of a divorced partner attempting to show onlookers, “Look, I have moved on to a more understanding or laissez-faire partner who somewhat treats me with respect and affords to flirt with me” while exploiting them to the best of their abilities.

In this way, Uganda, to me, is rejoicing after divorcing a partner or partners who, while exploiting her, dictated how she should take care of her children so that they do not get to realize their mother is being exploited [Western partners largely focus on good governance in their foreign policies].

With the new direction, the BRICS superpowers are likely to exercise and maximize their interests in Uganda without, in any one instant, caring to remind the powers that be in Uganda to be good to their citizens, and this is exactly what soothes the Big Brother and his legion of stooges. No one should be holding them accountable, and besides, no external authority should be letting their citizens know they are not doing the right thing. Of course, of late, they [Western powers] have been branded “foreign enemies” who impose their will on others. This, however, is not gospel truth.

Definitely, in the above light, ordinary, or, I should say, the "Bazukuulu," stand to suffer carrying on their overly strained backs the consequent burden of the selfish promises these decision-makers have already made to the power-wielding nations that form BRICS and the countless ones yet to follow in the name of progress.

There is something about the BRICS that is very similar to colonial times—infrastructural development. Remember the exportation of cheap or rather stolen raw materials [as witnessed in Congo] and market accessibility during the colonial period. In Uganda now, there is a Chinese mega supermarket that may attract many similar ones over time and eventually force those owned by Ugandans to relocate or abandon business. Besides, on the backstage, there will be continued cultural infiltration and erosion coupled with unchecked obliteration of national pride and general optimism of Ugandans.

The writer in the aforementioned editorial reminds Uganda to “read the global temperature and avoid the possibility of powerful BRICS members using her to fight their wars.” I sincerely think this is crying over spilt milk. Does every Ugandan know why Uganda has joined BRICS as a partner nation? If yes, were all their critical concerns taken into account before the decision materialized? If not, why do you think they were left in darkness?

I believe that Uganda will not be able to remain bulletproof in any way, whether against getting manipulated for political reasons or exploited for economic gains, because, to me, there was no collective reasoning, which should have informed collective bargaining covering all aspects of the political, social, and economic spectrum of Uganda and eventually catering effectively for the interests of ordinary Ugandans.

Uganda lacks any ideological bulletproofing against political and economic manipulation and exploitation because, among other things, it is a public secret that one can use corrupt means to get anything they want from Ugandans. This is like a password cracker for the BRICS—dishonest leaders who hardly have an ounce of integrity. Use them [the leaders], get what you want, and let the citizens suffer. That's one top strategy of Russia and China so far in other African states, including Uganda. Generally, Uganda stands to be used and sidelined.

And so, foreign countries seek to not only continue grilling Uganda using its fat but also apply some little cooking oil to season the garnishing even faster. Ugandans should know that not until they realize their potential and demand, or rather choose a credible, indigenous, pragmatic, and sustainable economic and political ideology, they will forever remain modern slaves and keep praying to God to send a saviour to pull them out of the murky river.

Therefore, for Ugandans to realize their potential and break free from external exploitation as well as stop tying themselves to wolves dressed in wool, the government and citizens should implement a series of well-conceived Indigenous solutions that can foster a reset and overall steady development from within to ensure that any foreign engagement is mutually beneficial. These measures should focus on fostering self-reliance, empowering local leadership, and developing a sustainable and inclusive economic model. Thereby, Uganda should:

I) Reevaluate Economic Models: Uganda needs to develop and adopt a homegrown economic model that aligns with its unique cultural, social, and environmental conditions. This means focusing on economic policies that prioritize the local economy, including agricultural development, local manufacturing, and technology.

II) Support for SMEs and Local Entrepreneurship: Encourage the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing easier access to credit, technical support, and markets for their products. This will ensure that wealth stays within the local economy rather than being drained by foreign multinational corporations.

III) Debt Management and Sovereignty: Uganda must take steps to manage its national debt more effectively, avoiding dependency on loans from international financial institutions that often come with restrictive conditions. Exploring alternative financing options, such as local savings and investments, can help build economic independence.

IV) Education and Skills Development: Investment in education, particularly technical and vocational training, will enable Ugandans to compete in global markets and contribute to the development of local industries. This includes promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education to create a skilled workforce that can drive innovation and industrialization.

V) Invest in Renewable Energy and Infrastructure: By investing in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, Uganda can reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels and ensure sustainable, self-sufficient energy production. Infrastructural development, especially in rural areas, will also help distribute the benefits of growth more evenly.

The above strategies can fix economic obstacles and set the ball rolling for genuine economic development. Meanwhile, politically, the government of Uganda should:

1) Strengthen Institutions: To reset, Uganda needs robust political institutions that are not easily swayed by external pressures or internal corruption. This involves improving the transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of government agencies at all levels.

2) Promote Civic Engagement and Education: Political engagement and active participation from the citizens should be encouraged through education and awareness campaigns that empower Ugandans to make informed choices. This includes teaching young people about their rights, their ability to demand change, and the power of collective action.

3) Support for Democracy and the Rule of Law: A strong and fair democratic system where leadership is accountable to the people is essential. It means creating an environment where free and fair elections can take place and ensuring that the rule of law is respected and upheld, with a judiciary that is free from political influence.

4) Reform Foreign Relations and Trade: Rebalance Foreign Relations: Uganda can strengthen its foreign policy to ensure that international partnerships are mutually beneficial. Trade deals and foreign investments should be negotiated with the national interest in mind, and Uganda must avoid being a dumping ground for foreign goods or an exploitable market for multinational corporations.

5) Invest in Regional Integration: Strengthening regional ties within Africa can reduce dependency on foreign powers. By focusing on enhancing trade and political relations with neighbouring countries and African institutions (like the African Union), Uganda can build a more resilient and independent economic environment.

It is also impossible to ignore the fact that there is a need for cultural empowerment. Recognizing and promoting Ugandan culture, arts, and indigenous knowledge systems can foster a sense of pride and identity, enabling citizens to look inward for solutions rather than relying on foreign ideologies. This will boost not only the tourism sector but also the entertainment industry while at the same time ensuring pride in utilizing locally available goods and services.

Overall, to achieve true independence and avoid continued exploitation, Uganda must prioritize homegrown solutions and engage foreign parties only when she is sure to mutually benefit from such engagements.