I write to you as a neighbor, an African, and a firm believer in the promise of democratic governance on our continent. Uganda stands at a defining moment, yet the images and reports emerging from your country during this electoral period deeply trouble many of us across the region.
The persistent harassment, arrest, and restriction of Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) and his supporters raise serious questions about the state of political freedoms in Uganda. Democracy is not merely the act of voting; it is the protection of dissenting voices, the tolerance of opposition, and the assurance that no citizen is punished for holding alternative views.
When state machinery is perceived to be deployed against political competitors, the legitimacy of the entire democratic process is placed at risk.
Equally concerning is the silence, or at best the muted response, from institutions that should be guardians of democratic norms. The East African Community and the African Union were founded on shared values of democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights.
Their reluctance to speak firmly on the unfolding situation in Uganda sends a dangerous signal: that stability can be pursued at the expense of freedom, and that power can overshadow principle.
Africa’s progress will not be measured by how long leaders stay in office, but by how strong our institutions become and how freely our people can choose their leaders. Uganda’s history, resilience, and youthful population deserve a future anchored in justice, openness, and mutual respect.
Your Excellency, true legacy is secured not through force or silence, but through statesmanship and the courage to uphold democratic ideals.
Yours faithfully,
Richard Onyonka
Senator – Kisii County
