As the dust settles on the January 15 concluded presidential and parliamentary elections in Uganda, the Lango sub-region is bracing for a mix of emotions and reactions.
While the winners are celebrating their victories, they also face the weight of responsibility and the challenge of delivering to their constituents in the next five years.
On the other hand, the losers are grappling with disappointment and anxiety about what the future holds and the election outcome has brought more than just disappointment, it has brought financial strain.
The huge sums of money spent on campaigns will have to be accounted for and unpaid obligations will need to be met. This financial burden will likely weigh in heavily on these individuals who now wished they had invested their resources in more productive ventures.
Moreover, the emotional toll of defeat is also overwhelming although some individuals might want to suppress them.
Supporters who were convinced of their candidates’ victory are now left feeling disillusioned and frustrated. The animosity created during the campaign season has also taken a toll on families and communities, in places of worship with some relationships strained to the breaking point.
The intense electioneering has taken a toll on the people of Lango’s online and offline discourse. Social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, were turned into virtual battlefronts, with members exchanging heated barbs and personal attacks.
The more than dozen radio stations, too, were caught in the crossfire, with some broadcasters being labelled as biased, compromised, and unprofessional.
Churches, mosques, and their leaders were also drawn into the fray, with some clerics openly supporting particular candidates, sparking controversy and debate within their congregations.
The Won Nyaci says it is imperative that calm and harmony are restored to these spaces, allowing for constructive dialogue and respectful exchange of ideas to flourish once again.
The people of Lango’s spiritual and cultural leaders and communities have a crucial role to play in promoting reconciliation, tolerance, and understanding, and helping to heal the wounds of division.
It is a challenging time for the people in Lango but it is also an opportunity for healing, restoration and reconciliation.
However, the real challenge lies ahead – managing the post-election effects and ensuring that the democratic process is not derailed by division and hatred.
It is in this context that the Won Nyaci of Lango, HRH Eng. Dr Michael Moses Odongo Okune, has issued a powerful call to action, urging cultural and religious leaders in the sub-region to promote peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness.
Quoting the timeless wisdom of former British Prime Minister Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill’s variation, who once said, “Be magnanimous in victory and gracious or dignified in defeat,” the Won Nyaci encouraged contestants and their supporters to accept election results peacefully for the good of the people of Lango.
This appeal is particularly significant in the context of the Lango sub-region, where do-or-die politics has been a major challenge in recent years.
The Won Nyaci invokes the wisdom and sovereignty of the Almighty, reminding the people to always be humble.
“ let us remember that it is not necessarily the best that win, nor the worst that lose, in the unpredictable landscape of elections, God is the final decision maker, so let us approach the outcomes with humility, recognizing that our understanding is limited and that the outcome may not always reflect our expectations”,Eng. Dr Odongo Okune appeals and asks every political player to prioritize love, forgiveness and reconciliation so that together they build a brighter future for the people of Lango.
The Won Nyaci’s conciliatory message has been widely welcomed by many in and outside Lango who are eager to put aside their differences and work towards a brighter future for their communities.
The message of unity and reconciliation has struck a chord with the people of Lango who recognize the importance of preserving their social fabric and promoting peace and stability in the sub region of 2.7 million people.
By stressing the importance of love, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence, analysts believe the Won Nyaci’s message has aligned deeply with the people of Lango who value their rich cultural heritage and traditions of peace and harmony usually seen in their slogan Note En Kuc/Teko (Unity Is Peace/Strength).
The Importance of Humility and Sportsmanship.
The Won Nyaci’s call for magnanimity in victory and graciousness in defeat is a timely reminder of the importance of humility and sportsmanship in both success and failure.
As Churchill himself once wrote, “In War: Resolution: In Defeat: Defiance: In Victory: Magnanimity: In Peace: Good Will.” These words are just as relevant today, in the context of the electoral process, as they were when Churchill penned them in his history of World War II.
A Call for Peaceful Coexistence.
The Won Nyaci’s message is not just a call for peace; it is a call for the people of Lango to come together and work towards a common goal – the development and prosperity of their sub-region.
The son of the former Museveni’s old student the late William Okune who served as a cabinet minister commended the people of Lango for overwhelmingly voting for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who garnered 84.48 percent of the votes in the sub-region.
He encouraged elected leaders to actively engage the government to ensure that this support translates into tangible development for Lango.
The Role of Security Personnel and Media.
The Won Nyaci also extended his gratitude to security personnel for successfully managing the electoral process, and to media practitioners for their accurate and professional reporting of election activities across the region.
As former American intelligence officer John Brennan once said that “security is not just about protecting ourselves from external threats, but also about protecting our values and ways of life…” Eng. Dr Odongo Okune says the role of the police and the sister security agencies in ensuring a peaceful and transparent electoral process cannot be overstated.
A Message of Hope.
As the people of Lango look to the future, the Won Nyaci’s message serves as a ray of hope. It is a reminder that even in the midst of division and hatred, there are still those who believe in the power of peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Let us heed the Won Nyaci’s call and work towards building a brighter future for Lango, where all citizens can live in peace and prosperity.
