The African Union upon its founding on 26th may 2001 was seen as a beacon of hope and an ideal representation towards the cause of pan africanism and addressing the struggles for unhealthy political contestations as well. The objectives of the African Union are seventeen (17) altogether and are provided in Article 30 of the constitutive Act of the AU and Article 3 of the protocol to amend the constitutive Act. Notably, a key objective that is suppose to be a key paramount for the AU is to “promote democratic principles and institutions, popular participation and good governance”.
The fulfillment of this objective by the AU has not been forthcoming. The nonchalant attitude by the Union to observe and man elections within the Continent has raised many eyebrows and condemnation. I believe the sole dependence on the international community and the European Union (EU) has triggered a mental consciousness in our minds of the inability to coordinate and manage our political problems.
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu popularly known as Bobi Wine is an opposition leader of the National Unity Platform in Uganda. His recent opposite stance to the long serving Yoweri Museveni has had its own problems. Bobi Wine has been the hot topic on African platforms most especially his rigidness in addressing the social and economic problems of Uganda.
The just concluded Ugandan elections was marred by violence and voter oppression. Footages showed gun-toting men in military uniforms tampering with electoral materials and creating a tense situation around the electoral wards. The outcome of the Ugandan election was widely condemned as it was believed that Museveni orchestrated the whole system and process. Through it all, the AU was silent.
It has been consecutively six(6) days since Bobi Wine has been on lockdown together with his family and his house surrounded with the military for no just cause. The African Union has been a toothless bulldog with little or nothing to do about phenomenons that happen around the Continent. The negligence of the AU to interfere into the Ugandan political crisis is a show of cowardice and a no end objective.
It is a Union that is filled with gerontocrats and they are best at seeking each other’s needs. I believe that the Union must be replaced or better still reformed and do away with old and pale goons and bring in young energetic leaders who will contribute to continental development.
Bobi Wine is a symbol of the African youth and what we can achieve if we stay fervent and hope in times of pain and grief.
