Uganda's Ambivalence to Dr. Otunnu's Homecoming!

Quite a few astute Ugandan commentators have expressed their opinions about Dr. Otunnu's recent homecoming! The most convincing were those of Mr. Austin Ejiet's: "Olara Otunnu's "second coming"; the illusions and realities", dated: August 23, 09; and Mr. Kalori Ssemogerere's: "Otunnu’s return good for the govt, better for the opposition", dated: September 3, 09.

Dr.Otunnu displaying his passport! | source: The Independent

Contrary to the aforementioned opinions, Mr. Daniel K. Kalinaki characterized Otunnu's return as "a flash in the pan".

Even though Dr. Otunnu has not declared himself a candidate for office, Mr. Kalinaki sees Dr. Otunnu's celibacy at age 57 as a real stumbling block for political office in Africa's orthodox cultural framework.

In the rough and tumble of politics, Dr. Otunnu's celibate status has already resulted in headline news in Uganda. A smear campaign tactic intended to hurt this able and distinguished Ugandan where he is most vulnerable.
According to Mr. Kalinaki, Africans would rather settle for an incompetent polygamist for a leader than an adept celibate.

Human societies have borrowed and influenced each other all throughout history, and are going to continue to do so. Otherwise, someone like Mr. Kalinali's first name would not be, Daniel; nor would we be communicating in English here! So, Africa can and should, overcome this bias about celibate leaders just like other developed societies have!

This is the price Dr. Otunnu is paying for trying to add his eloquent voice to the struggle for a peaceful political change in Uganda.
Dr. Otunnu did not have to put up with this scrutiny. His distinguished qualifications, experience and charisma can get him a job anywhere in the world in a heartbeat! Why this seeming disconnect about Dr. Otunnu's potential benefit to Uganda, is mind boggling!
Brute force, intimidation and cajoling have demonstrated limits in solving Africa's woes. Its time we harness our boundless diversity in intellectual potential and charisma exemplified by Dr. Otunnu.

In a continually egalitarian world, where all of us share common goals and responsibilities to have a fair and just world; its sad to see able and charismatic individuals denied leadership roles simply because they are celibate.

Theodore Roosevelt once said the following:

It's not the critic that counts
Press On - No matter what they say to you

It's not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or when the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worth cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat. Theodore Roosevelt

IMPORTANT FACTORS OF LEADERSHIP

No follower wishes to be lead by a leader who lacks self confidence and courage
Self Control
A keen sense of Justice
Definiteness of Decision
Definiteness of Plans
The habit of doing more than paid for
A pleasing personality
Sympathy and Understanding
Mastery of detail
Willingness to assume full responsibility
Cooperation
Remember: A QUITTER NEVER WINS AND A WINNER NEVER QUITS!

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