Below is an article that appeared in a local Uganda daily. In the article an assistant to the Gulu Resident District Commissioner—the eyes and ears of the President of Uganda in the District—purportedly declared that some donated medicine should only be given to the supporters of the ruling political party—the NRM. In his mind that would ensure loyalty for continued support of his political party.
The drugs were donated to a government hospital which should treat everyone based on need. I grew up at a time when medical treatments in Uganda were largely free in well-run government hospitals—thanks to the systems inherited from our British colonial master and nurtured by dedicated and competent Uganda civil servants.
Apparently I have not lived long enough to see people behaving stranger than fiction. The declaration of the assistant RDC is the epitome of immeasurable degeneration no better than that of a warthog, a hyena or whatever animal captures one's fancy.
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Gulu politicians clash
Publication date: Monday, 7th July, 2008
By Chris Ocowun The Gulu district vice-chairman, Makmot Kitara, has urged staff of Gulu Hospital to treat all patients, irrespective of their political affiliation. This followed advice to the health workers by the acting resident district commissioner, Milton Odongo, that drugs donated to the hospital be used to treat NRM supporters. “Let’s save the life of NRM voters. Treat them so that they can vote again for the NRM in 2011,” Odongo said on Friday during the hand- over of medical supplies worth $100,000, donated by Child Voice International. But Kitara, the chief guest, was not amused. “Please, treat human beings and not NRM. Don’t go on screening patients looking for NRM voters because the rest will die. Treat everybody whether NRM, FDC, UPC or DP without discrimination.” He challenged Odongo to use his connections to get presidential help for the renovation of the hospital. “There is no need saying you represent the President when you cannot talk to him about the problems and needs of Gulu district.”
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/16/637712
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