Politics aside, it’s only Dr Besigye who loved Sarah Eperu practically when she was not sick, when she was bedridden and dead. Why plan to humiliate him? these are the unfortunate fruits of radicalisation of the political opposition. I condemn such hooliganism and indiscipline in the strongest terms possible.
Radicalisation of politics in opposition is one area where I strongly disagreed with the colleagues in the FDC who belonged to the extremism section. Politics and leadership is a game of tactics and brains, not weight lifting and or muscle building.
Dr Besigye is by all standards a very understanding and generous man though he doesn’t do it in cameras. Even when we had our political differences in our party FDC on matters of strategy, I have never attacked or undermined him. I highly respect him because he is an elder, very knowledgeable and experienced in matters of politics and leadership. One of the very few politicians that I can spare time to listen to when they are dissecting national and global issues. He is our mentor.
In 2004 to be exact in May, its when I first met Sarah Sara Eperu and Hon. Sam Kalega Nkuba who had come to Banda and Kireka mobilising and forming structures for the new formation FDC. We had earlier met and interacted with Rt. Hon. Tayebwa Thomas who was in charge of creating University chapters for FDC, Hon. Kasozi Ibrahim who was in charge of Youth Central, Natumanya Aggrey who was in charge of Youth West and Hon. Kaps Fungaraho Hassan who was the National Youth coordinator at Katonga road offices.
I had been a member of the Reform Agenda which I joined in 2000 when Dr Wrn Kizza-Besigye was preparing to be nominated as a Presidential candidate. It was around December and I was in S 5 holidays.
Sarah Eperu committed all her energies and the resources that she had. She would hardly speak ten ( 10 ) words without mentioning the name Col. Besigye. We became very good friends and her contact at Kyambogo University since she was also from Nakawa.
It’s very unfortunate for any serious politician, well aware of Dr Kizza Besigye’s immense sacrifices and commitment to the struggle to undermine him.
My humble appeal, let’s learn to exhibit tolerance, emotional intelligence and stamina, especially where people have divergent political opinions. Politics is a game of brains, you don’t convince someone to join you or accept your views by abusing or insulting them.
Never humiliate or undermine a colleague because of different political views and beliefs. This world is very small. Verbal insults can be more graveous than physical insults. I have seen it happen! I have seen people crying and regretting their actions of verbal insults!
This is what my brothers and sisters in the National Unity Platform must draw lessons from. When you allow radical views and thinking to become a dominant force in the party, time will come that nobody will be spared from attack and insults. It’s our moderate views and the liberal approach that held the party together even when we were under attack.
May Sarah Eperu’s soul rest in peace.
Hajj Kaaya Rajab Sema
National Vice Chairman FDC Emeritus
Adult Educator – Nansana
