The value of tribal groupings in the presence of fear.
The recent elections in Kenya demonstrate several things but one thing stood out. When various groups are allowed to act under fear, they will invariably vote or cluster around their own ethnicities. And so large swathes gathered and formed coalitions and won based on shear numbers. The few who chose to think beyond the lines of tribe were drowned out by the massive crowds and were forced instead to ponder and philosophize.
The role of religion (main stream) in politics.
We will continue to nurse our wounds from the precolonial period and perhaps even question our monarchs on the role of religion in their fall. Veiled in under the cloak of truth, we will continue to ponder how best to march into the future without essential military muscle or trade to back our claims to leadership. The marriage between state and religion had long stabilized and what was left for the western powers to take advantage of our natural inclination towards all things religious. For those in the west, there was a realization that their monarchs needed to yield some of the religious power that was already entrenched in the lives of their subjects. Without this type of union governance would be impossible. Rome expanded as a force militarily but was also growing religiously. In a sense the feet of clay were functioning fully with those of iron.
The role of religion (non main stream) in politics.
Other groups that have remained rather silent but nonetheless relatively effective are those which are historical and regionally effective in the attempt to redefine religion and western-African influence. We speak here of the revival movement which is commonly referred to as bazikufu. An offshoot of the Catholic and Anglican movements which commands quite a following and has emerged with a sense of vigor and an ability to influence leadership in an overt manner.
Geo-politics and governance.
Even if there are certain aspects of this description in the tribal discussion, geography too will plays an important role-especially when you factor in recent discoveries in minerals. But to larger extent though, regions that sit at the border also tend to present great challenges especially because there are often complex relationships that need management with other states and that must be played out at the borders.
Local monarchs and their function in leadership.
In the current game, most of the power seems to rest in western parts of Uganda and those who have emerged as challengers to the authority of the Kingdoms. This has not stopped or impeded the progress of other groups with similar interests in kingdom politics. To a larger extent many have fallen victim to the loyalties that often force families to coalesce around one another and to from mini-monarchies around themselves.
The military and it's role.
Recent operations in the military have resulted in a force that now to a great extent is closer to our most important resource and on the surface of it, can help manage monies,produce and implements. Uganda is rather strange because it presents very little difficulty in logistics especially the function that has to do with feeding large military groups and dealing with military rations. Moving machinery and men is a challenge, feeding them presents an even greater difficulty. Not here though, there is plenty of food from which wondering militias can benefit from.
Managing foreign relationships.
Very few people can manage a rise to power without some form of support. Our neighbors here have had a role to play in the politics of our governance. Some tended to feel only a limited need to be involved until they were led to do so by acts of aggression. The man who seeks or govern must therefore identify these groups and seek to endear himself or herself to these groups. He must then find ways and resources (locally) to help feed the appetites for resources that fuel much of their operation.
Behind every successful man....
Then there is the emotional side of politics. The hand the rocks the cradle. Managing a group of people who forget nothing and harbor a great deal of resentment can be challenge. How you deal with these issues will determine a lot about how you govern. Much of the frustration that is harbored by men stems from usurpations of their power that took place in households. Most men did not read the memo that was circulating amongst the women whose central call was that of liberation. Traditional male dominated (and culturally supported roles) structures were found wanting in an age when their counterparts (or subordinates) began to rake in hundreds of times more than than before.
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