By Muhimbise George
“He who seeks equity should come with clean hands” is a legal principle initiated by our forefathers. This principle was intended to stop ‘busy bodies,’ masqueraders, and self-seekers from flocking to courts of judicature claiming to seek justice when they themselves are criminals.
Former Nakawa and Rubaga Deputy Resident City Commissioner, Anderson Burora, is currently facing charges in court related to cyber crimes committed against the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Annet Anita Among. Burora, who was an RCC, joined an online Parliament Exhibition campaign organized by several activists under the auspices of Agora, making various allegations against the leadership of Parliament and demanding accountability. Subsequently, Burora was suspended from his duties and has since become a full-time activist against the leadership of Parliament, even forming a pressure group called NRM in Resistance.
But can Burora and the likes become the new hope for Uganda, around which citizens can rally for a better future? Do they have a reliable track record, or are their actions driven by personal disappointment and self-interest?
While Burora was in jail, another scandal emerged at the Microfinance Support Centre, where billions were squandered. The misappropriated funds at this centre far exceed the service awards given to Parliamentary Commissioners or the money that the Speaker of Parliament is accused of spending under Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
Interestingly, Burora is among those who benefited from loans that bypassed proper procedures. Of the 54 billion shillings loaned out dubiously, Burora received 110 million shillings without any assessment. As an RCC tasked with overseeing government programs, including the Emyooga program, Burora used his position to secure a loan through dubious means. This amounts to a conflict of interest, influence peddling, abuse of office, and corruption.
So, is Burora genuinely fighting corruption or abuse of office when he is implicated in similar misconduct? Is he the kind of person Ugandans can rely on to champion their cause, or is he merely seeking sympathy to launch his political bid?
While Ugandans might have given him the benefit of the doubt or even prayed for him during his turbulent times, his record as a deputy RCC is tainted. Burora defended all manner of evil, brutality, violence, and lawlessness inflicted on those opposed to the regime. As a head of security, he oversaw violent crackdowns on opposition supporters during the 2021 elections.
During his tenure as an RCC, Burora never acted as a professional public servant but rather as a hired mercenary to fight the opposition. Ugandans can neither sympathize with nor follow such a person. He is not the freedom fighter that the nation needs—certainly not!
Therefore with such a filthy record, I am inclined to believe that Burora is simply fighting the Speaker of Parliament for his selfish gains or is using the Speaker to gain sympathy and to get cheap political capital! Ugandans should not follow such bandwagons!
