What would Uganda need in a leader? [EDITOR'S OPINION]

The media, though, year in and out, is usually awash with stories of some of these leaders engaged in scandals of corruption, mismanagement, nepotism and tribalism et cetera.

The iron sheets saga is the most recent scandal that has lifted a veil on those some thought were holier than thou.

Nearly a quarter of Cabinet ministers and other leaders holding public offices such as the Speaker of Parliament appeared on a list of those who received items meant for Karamoja sub-region.

Corruption, mismanagement, nepotism and tribalism – you can name other uncouth behaviours – are surely not the virtues any country would want in a leader.

What then would a third-world country like Uganda located in the eastern part of the African continent need in a leader?

A country like Uganda would need a leader passionate about changing the fortunes of their country.

With at least 35% of Uganda’s total population living below the poverty line, Government interventions such as skilling, sensitising masses of people living below the poverty line about wealth creation and creating genuine programs aimed at poverty alleviation would help achieve this.

This is not to say Government of Uganda hasn’t had any interventions. It has. But what was the impact? Are there any people we can consider success stories of these programs? Were they genuine programs anyway?

It only takes a leader passionate about changing the fortunes of their people to pull off this. Yes, passionate, because changing people’s mindsets, attitudes and behavior is no easy feat.

A country like Uganda would need a leader who can balance foreign interests in their country with those of their people.

Third-world countries like Uganda are often prone to foreign interference. They can’t help it because in most cases it turns out to be the country’s only survival mode. They receive cash bail outs every now and then.

But should the interests of a foreign player surpass those of the natives? Definitely not!

This leader should be able to above all consider the interests of the nationals first.

A country like Uganda would need a leader who genuinely cares about the welfare of the people.

One would say most of Ugandan politicians are only there to serve their interests. Given the public scandals, they are right.

Any sane leader would think twice before choosing to use items meant for the poor Karimojong to roof a piggery farm in their village. They would try to do what is right.

A country like Uganda would need a leader who is exemplary and patriotic.

Any problem with any organisation, family, institute et cetera would directly point to the head – the leader.

Being exemplary means you decide not to be corrupt because you would want your subordinates to do the same and not the other way round.

A leader who loves their country at all costs would try as hard as they can to do the right thing.

We could go on and on pointing to what Uganda needs in a leader, but above all Uganda needs a leader who understands God!