Will the People of Kazo Trade Their Votes for Coffee Seedlings, or Will They Stand Strong Against Intimidation?

By Brian Keitira

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” These words by Martin Luther King Jr. are especially relevant in light of recent political developments in Kazo.

Recently, Retired Major General Muheesi, Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador in China, appeared on a radio talk show on Kazo FM, sparking controversy. His threat to withdraw coffee seedlings he had distributed to registered voters in Kazo has been widely criticized. He threatened to withdraw all the coffee incase they line up to vote for his wife’s opponent. Many have seen this as an obvious attempt to buy votes in favor of his wife, Hon. Jenipher Muheesi, who is contesting for the woman Member of Parliament seat in the upcoming NRM primaries against Hon. Molly Kamukama.

An anonymous resident expressed her concern: “I’m worried that if we allow this kind of behavior to continue, it will undermine the democratic process and foster a culture of fear and intimidation. We deserve leaders who prioritize our needs and work towards sustainable development, not just hand out coffee seedlings in exchange for votes.”

Distributing seedlings in exchange for votes raises serious questions about the democratic integrity of General Muheesi and his wife. As the saying goes, “you can’t have your cake and eat it too”—leaders cannot expect to buy votes and still claim to serve the people. It is troubling that instead of encouraging community participation in government initiatives like the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and Operation Wealth Creation, resources are being used to buy votes in such a manner.

In contrast, Hon. Molly Kamukama has dedicated herself to tangible development—working on roads, empowering women, supporting religious institutions, providing ideological training for youth, and extending clean water to villages—all without resorting to threats or intimidation. Her record reflects genuine service and commitment. Furthermore, a review of the Hansard shows that Hon. Jenipher Muheesi has been relatively inactive in the 11th Parliament, raising questions about her suitability for the role she seeks.

If General Muheesi’s tactics succeed, they could have far-reaching negative consequences for Kazo—eroding trust in the democratic process, fostering corruption and intimidation, and potentially reducing NRM’s popularity as the elections approach. The people of Kazo deserve leaders who genuinely prioritize their welfare, not those who buy their support for short-term gains.

As Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador in China, General Muheesi has critical responsibilities that require his full attention on promoting Uganda’s interests abroad. Engaging in local politics risks distracting him from these duties. It is my hope that he will prioritize his diplomatic role and uphold the integrity expected of his position.

The NRM, under President Yoweri Museveni, emphasizes democracy, good governance, and the rule of law. The use of violence, intimidation, and vote-buying directly contradicts these principles. In line with this, President Museveni has repeatedly condemned vote-buying and emphasized that it is the government’s responsibility to serve her people. The president calls exchange of votes for petty items illegal and also a betrayal of the people’s trust.

To the people of Kazo, I say; choose leaders who will work for your development, not those who buy their mandate for immediate gains. When you exchange your vote for coffee seedlings or petty items, ask yourself—what do you expect in return? Will that leader deliver quality education, healthcare, monitor government programs, and effectively represent your interests? The community deserves leaders committed to sustainable progress and genuine service.

In a nutshell, politics should be conducted with dignity and respect for democratic values. We must focus on fostering development and good governance, rather than practices that undermine our democracy. The people of Kazo deserve better, and it is time they stand up and demand it. As Nelson Mandela once said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Let the people of Kazo rise and claim the leadership they truly deserve.

The Writer is an NRM Senior Cadre and a concerned citizen.