Makana Kennedy
The unfolding saga at the Law Development Centre (LDC) is emblematic of a broader pattern of institutional decay and authoritarianism under the leadership of President Kaguta Museveni. Godwin Toko, a vocal critic, sheds light on the pervasive culture of abuse and impunity that plagues the corridors of power in Uganda.
At LDC, a handful of individuals, predominantly aged between 45 and 60, wield unchecked authority, making decisions that impact thousands of students with callous disregard for their well-being. Toko likens the institution to a dictatorship, where the ruling elite dictate the fate of students without accountability or transparency.
One glaring example of this tyranny is the arbitrary setting of pass marks for appeals, with only those scoring above 40 percent deemed eligible—a move that defies logic and fairness. Toko recounts instances where students, undeterred by threats and coercion, saw their grades miraculously inflated after lodging appeals, exposing the arbitrary nature of the system.
Moreover, the institutional cartel shields its own from accountability, particularly in cases of sexual harassment, where perpetrators are protected at the expense of justice and integrity. Only under intense public scrutiny do these individuals face repercussions, often as sacrificial lambs to preserve the facade of propriety.
Yet, LDC is not an anomaly but rather symptomatic of a broader malaise infecting government institutions across Uganda. From Parliament to the judiciary, nepotism and tribalism run rampant, undermining meritocracy and fostering a culture of favoritism and discrimination.
Toko warns of the far-reaching consequences of Museveni’s authoritarian rule, which prioritizes self-preservation over national interest. By condoning and perpetuating institutional dictatorships, Museveni jeopardizes Uganda’s future, mirroring the tragic trajectory of countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo under Mobutu’s despotic reign.
As Uganda grapples with the erosion of democratic norms and institutional integrity, Toko’s impassioned plea serves as a rallying cry for accountability, transparency, and the restoration of the rule of law. Only by confronting the scourge of dictatorship head-on can Uganda reclaim its promise and forge a path towards a more just and equitable society.
