Onen, the Cause Célèbre for the Nile Republic?

Who can remain patient
while the mud gradually clears?
Who can remain still
while the moment for action so slowly emerges?
Lao Tzu

It was a long time ago. He came, he saw , he conquered. That was Julius Onen. He had come from another school for his A Level. I was may be in form One or Two. His good friend Ocan (now judge) also came over from another school. While Ocan had a heavier soul, Onen was light—a likable personality by anyone. Soon he was elected house prefect. He was the school’s football goalie. There was no fire and brimstone crusader disposition about him. No wonder other countries would recommend him for the East African job, and the Northern MPs would rally to his cause. What is surprising is that his job cause would become a rallying point for the Nile Republic.

It is difficult to understand why groups would want their own to be a minister or a high-level government appointee. Would Onen’s appointment bring a paved road to his village in Layibi? Such is the kind of question a Museveni would cynically pose. The counter question is, in spite of preaching non-sectarianism and, if it doesn’t matter, why has he filled most high-level government positions with his westerners? The point is: it matters. Such appointments have a feel-good and motivational effect for the rest of us. When Onen passes by in his sleek car and throws dusts on my face, I can proudly point and exclaim: the ambassador is in Gulu this week-end and may be, if I am lucky, I may get to shake his ambassadorial hands! It tells a young man or woman that s/he can be all s/he can be unhampered by tribal affiliation. It says, if I excel, I can get a road-sweeping job without having to talk Lunyankole.

A government appointment is a good litmus test that a group belongs. If such appointments are not forthcoming, however qualified, it means you don’t belong. Why then stay? Coupled with various other forms of marginalization, it is time to seriously consider other options. There will be no love lost if the North went its separate ways. One wonk opined that it is wishful thinking. Yes, may be, but it is a good start. Even the Protectorate from which Uganda was cobbled was initially a wishful thinking when some people were peeing in their kanzus in fear of the fearsome Kabalega.
What the leaders need to do is to prepare the Northern population. Causes and conditions will come when the Nile Republic can be effected if the collective psyche is ready. In the meantime we should streamline and consolidate our votes to the side of the forces of overall genuine fairness and respect for the rule of law.