Bobi Wine
Kampala, Uganda
2 April 2020
My friends, we are living in chaotic times. A virus that many of us had never heard of a few short weeks ago is now ravaging all corners of our world, impacting mainly the lives of those who are less fortunate. And the mounting death toll, which shows no sign of abating, has many of our brothers and sisters, our fellow global citizens, in a panic. In Uganda, as of today, we have over 40 confirmed cases according to our health ministry officials – a number that will surely increase by the time you read these words. Indeed, the worst for Uganda – and many other parts of the globe – is yet to come.
However dire these times, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture: In solidarity, we shall win this war. By sensitizing the masses about best practices to stem the advance of the coronavirus, and by heeding the practical advice of our medical experts, we can and we will survive. This is the message that I tried to convey in my latest collaboration, All Alone, But Altogether, released earlier this week which featured some of the African continent’s most luminary and inspiring leaders.
Also during this time, one in which our collective attention and our news cycles are focusing almost entirely on the coronavirus and its impact, we must remind our leaders – whether they have been duly elected or otherwise – that our human rights and our often hard-fought freedoms still matter. We must not give in or relent during this time to allow abusive leaders, in Uganda, across Africa and indeed the world, to take advantage of this situation to advance their selfish interests.
Already, and too often, I have seen dictators and their ilk attempt to manipulate the current crisis – and people’s legitimate fears – to their advantage by enacting emergency laws, increasing state surveillance, and by violently attacking civil society and the political opposition. While new measures must surely be taken to ‘flatten the curve’ and protect the masses, measures must also be taken to protect our basic rights. Combating the coronavirus and protecting our human rights are not mutually exclusive endeavors. Both can indeed coexist.
I therefore call on my fellow global citizens to be mindful and to be increasingly vigilant during this time. Remember that there will always be emergent crises in this world, whether it’s the coronavirus today, a natural disaster tomorrow, or something else catastrophic next year. What matters is that our dignity and our rights be respected, no matter what, and that our sense of solidarity and of being in this all together lives in.
Don’t be a victim, be a solution. Be safe, keep healthy, and keep fighting for a better, more democratic and prosperous future. Today, and always, no matter what menace confronts us.
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, AKA Bobi Wine, is a musician, leader of Uganda’s People Power Movement, and member of parliament, representing Kyadondo East constituency. You can follow him and Vanguard Africa on Twitter here: @HEBobiWine, @VanguardAfrica
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Vanguard Africa, the Vanguard Africa Foundation or its staff.