The practice of inheritance has existed for centuries, shaping power dynamics, economic inequality and social mobility. It has become a looming character in Uganda for some time now.
At first, it was ignored until it became a fine character for the ruling party (NRM) from Andrew Ojok replacing his father Jacob Oulanyah to Emmanuel Omoding replacing his father Patrick Okabe and most recent being Samuel Okello Engola seeking to replace his father Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola.
A number of scholars and political analysts have come out to condemn this act labelling it, “A TICKING TIME BOMB.”
The Executive Director at the Centre for Constitutional Governance, Sarah Bireete termed this as, “very dangerous” to Uganda.
“If one is good politically, it doesn’t necessarily mean that his/her family are also good leaders. These keep getting pity votes and yet they are incompetent for the positions they have been elected into. This is very dangerous to our country,” she said.
Political Inheritance refers to the transfer of political power, influence or positions from one generation to another within the family.
It occurs when individuals acquire positions or roles due to their family connection or lineages rather than solely based on their own merits or qualifications. This is common in cultural kingdoms around the world.
Most individuals inherit political positions to preserve family legacies and ensure family financial stability. However, when wealth and power are concentrated among a select few, it can breed resentment, division and feelings of injustice within society, then creates uneven playing field which erases trust in institutions thus fueling unrest and political instability.
Political inheritance also clashes with the principles of merit which advocate for societal reward based on individual achievements and abilities, unlike one with entrenched family privileges which leave our societies with incompetent leaders.
The absence of a successor causes uncertainty and plotting, while the existence of one creates another center of power. Both situations are dangerous for the ruler and the elites.
The government should come up with laws to regulate politics of inheritance or else Uganda as a community is seated on a time bomb.
