Watchdog Uganda
Just a little careful look at the tenses and punctuations in this write up,arouses suspicion.In my analysis, this was a hurried piece that was draughted in the twilight of the Generals demise, defying the notion that, its an extract from a stanza of a carefully written book,to be published.This makes, no amount of sanitizing, alter the recklessness,timing and insensitivity that it has already created.
That said, Odonga is entitled to free speech and expression of his feelings, however, his profane accusation of a dead person, who can not defend himself, is abhorrent and can not go unchallenged.
General Lokech is no doubt, a hard working individual who grew up the rank by expression of courage in the battle field and humility in service.
From the description of his teacher,who happened to be my father,he was a descent boy then,and a descent,but more carefully worded man when he met him later as deputy IGP. Most of his contemporaries,describe him to have no time for injustice ,corruption, mediocrity and dishonesty.
Having taken on the role of IGP, his job description was clear;to preside those who managed law and order on a daily basis.He would then do this without masking the above attributes.
If law and order is to be managed with equity,and every member of the society is to live in tranquility, criminals will be rubbed the wrong way.
Gen Paul Lokech did not only envision that criminals should to be handled with a firm grip but, being a son of the soil,he had also noticed that there are some politicians,even in his own area who were living a life above the law and trampling on the people they led, with impunity.
In his legacy,in my opinion,Gen Lokech was trying to pacify his own region from these actions
Hon Odonga was such,an alleged criminal,who had used politics, for longtime to practice life above the law. He was alleged to have,among other crimes, intentionally knocked a packed vehicle of a business man,at another occasion, assaulted a journalist and walked away with it. All these cases were lying cold in the police stations.
It’s common knowledge that when you have a cold case in the police and you continue to commit others, all your cases can resurrect and can be revisited within the law. The notion that Odonga had allegedly committed one case early in his life,does not make the case obsolete.After all, he had been told by the fearful police officers at that time to settle with the victim out of police, but as belligerent as he always was,just ignored this poor journalist with impunity.
Lokech being a man of action and trying to pacify his own region from these impunity of the local politicians was trying to create order and show these small gods that being a politician was not a green card to trample on your subordinates and go away with it.
The reason why Odonga would describe a prolonged odyssey in his otherwise simple alleged criminal cases, is because he was not a good citizen. Good citizens do not hide in the bushes, evading the law, they face it, head on.Law enforcement all around the world react with different precision, if an alleged criminal do the following;evade arrest,wasting police time,verbally or physically attack law enforcement officers, fails to take orders of law enforcement officers or kill a law enforcement officer on duty.When you do the above, you will be treated as a special suspect with caution and precision.All eyes will be on you.This is the practice you have seen every where around the world.So Odonga Otto should know this.
It still surprises me that Hon Odonga, who is a legislator describes his evasion from the law with pride.No one will wonder why he would be treated the way he was,because he contemplated and premeditated his evasion of the law with intent to either humiliate law enforcement officers or the law.
Fortunately he does not assert that the law enforcement agencies physically tortured him,he even narrates how kind they were to him all along his trips,yet he contradicts himself by saying that these orders came from the Deputy IGP.
Hon Odonga must know that his case was not the only case that that Gen Lokech handled with a firm hand.
I have been told of how the RDC of Lamwo, was hunted by these alleged Lokech’s people like a chicken thief, for almost two months. His escorts arrested and would only settle when he reported to the authorities and solved the problem at hand.I was even told he Lokech had tough exchanges with the Hon Hillary not to shield the RDC from arrest.
This astute actions, were good in my opinion, in providing coup de grace to the political leaders who were raiding life like they were demi gods.
That aside, his actions all around the country was evident, with a process by process approach to criminals else where in the country side, while concomitantly engaging the public with regular and meticulous press conferences.In Kampala,for example,the confidence levels of the public,towards the police had improved.
Hon Odonga,should not make his case sound unique and play victim. He is himself, was a person who had used his office of MP to plunge impunity on those below him.There are even recorded messages of some of his own aids, complaining about his own mistreatments.Therefore,even if the General errored in his short but result oriented reign,in the the process of handling his tasks,every one has their own skeletons in the closet.
Lastly,If Odonga,really believes that the law enforcement officers handled him out of the confines of the law,under the instruction of Gen Lokech,why didn’t he take them to court.He is himself a lawyer,as I hear.
For now let him give us time to mourn the good General,as I implore the elders to carefully look at his outbursts.In my opinion it borders sacrilege and may need traditional interpretation and intervention, according to the Acholi culture.
]]> ‘We shall do whatever it takes to ensure Gen Lokech’s son beats Odonga Otto again’ , Deputy Speaker Among assures mourners https://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210825/120000/we-shall-do-whatever-it-takes-to-ensure-gen-lokechs-son-beats-odonga-otto-again-deputy-speaker-among-assures-mourners.html Wed, 25 Aug 2021 10:58:02 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=120000 The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has promised that she will do whatever it takes to see that Christopher Komakech returns to parliament.Komakech, a son to fallen Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Maj Gen Paul Lokech was last week kicked out of Parliament after losing an election petition to former Aruu County MP Odonga Otto.
the son of the departed UPDF General Paul Lokech wins the Aruu County by-elections.
Among, who is also the Bukedea District Women legislator made the promise on Tuesday while paying her last respect to the departed Senior UPDF officer.
She told mourners at Gen Lokech’s home in Kira that the late played a big role to ensure that she returns to the 11th parliament and as a way of showing her appreciation, she is going to ensure that Komakech wins the Aruu County by-election.
“Whenever I would see someone who was not compliant I would call General Lokech.Most of the votes I got in elections, I got them through Gen. Lokech,†Among said.
“We also thank God that when Gen Lokech was still alive he gave us our young brother, Komakech. I want to assure the family that we will do whatever it takes to have Komakech back in Parliament, that is the only way we can pay this family.Gen Lokech has been a very good friend of mine to an extent that even a night before he passed on, I talked to him around midnight.â€
Gen Lokech died on Saturday morning at his home in Kira just a day after the Gulu High Court Judge, Justice Tadeo Asiimwe threw his son Komakech out of Parliament because he addressed his resignation letter to the wrong person.
Komakech won the Aruu County seat in the 2021 general election beating Odonga Otto who did not accept the defeat. And through his lawyer Dalton Charles Opwonya from Opwonya & Co. Advocates, he filed an election petition against Komakech saying that he did not officially resign from his civil service job before joining Parliament.
In the ruling the Court found out that Komakech did not address his resignation letter to the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health as required by the Public Service Standing Order, he instead addressed his resignation to the office of the Executive Director Butabika Hospital. This led to a call for the by-election.
]]> Makerere University wins Inaugural #ITAW debates https://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210825/119997/makerere-university-wins-inaugural-itaw-debates.html Wed, 25 Aug 2021 10:16:28 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=119997 As is enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and in pursuit of SDG 16.2, the students’ body is more united than ever by the vision of a world in which every child grows up safe and secure. This has started with collective action through a debate tournament to gather ideas from participants aged above 18, who may be perpetrators or witnesses of violence against children, on how to end all forms of violence so that all children are safe at home, safe within their communities, safe in and around schools, safe online, and safe within their places of worship.In recognition of the “It Takes A World (ITAW)†campaign to end violence against children, the World Vision in partnership with the Global Platforms of ActionAid International Uganda, The Uganda Dialogue Arena (UDA) and Debate Institute Africa organized the inaugural National Inter University Debates under the theme, “Harnessing the potential of the students’ movement to eliminate Violence against Children.â€
The virtual advocacy tournament involved 88 debaters, 44 teams, 22 universities and over 281 participants and run from 18th to 20th August 2021.From the 22 universities and 44 teams, only 4 universities and 4 teams made it to the finals of the #ITAWDebates 2019.
The 4 finalist Universities were, in there order of grand finale performance, Makerere University (Winners: Angelo Sewanonda and Fortunate Okello), Mbarara University of Science and Technology (1st Runners up: Mutungisa Edgar and Semusu Moses), Kampala International University Western Campus (2nd Runners Up: Senkaaba Tendo John and Nabukeera Caroline Gift) and Islamic University In Uganda Female Campus (Finalists: Atwiine Sabrina and Nasaazi Nusfah). The overall best speaker of the tournament was Mutungisa Edgar from Mbarara University of science and Technology.
“The debates have been part of the bold expression of the campaign to promote human transformation, seek justice, uphold rights of the children to be protected and bear witness to the kingdom of God,†Mubangizi Prosper, Policy and campaigns specialist at the World Vision Uganda.
The debate tournament was part of the broader campaign to End Child Marriage (ECM), End Child Sacrifice (ECS) and End Violence against Children in Schools (EVACiS).
“The participants in this tournament should from now on use their social media power and ignite change by owning the campaign to advocate for positive social and behavioral practices to end violence against children.†Irene Kagoya, Associate Director Advocacy, World Vision Uganda.
The CEO Uganda Dialogue Arena, Mr. Fredrick Musiimenta said that UDA has been organizing debates, workshops, Career Guidance and seminars in several institutions of learning since 2012 under different themes which are all aimed at the involvement of young people in matters that affect their societies. The ITAW Debates, he said, had been the first tournament on ending violence against children. He argued that failure to protect and provide for children is simply an accident in waiting as they will find solace in the industry of crime.
Mr Primus B. Atukwatse, the Manager Global Platforms of Action Aid International Uganda revealed that the organization would continue to support initiatives that use debate, creative among others to end violence against children and creating an equitable society.
“Violence devastates the lives of children and their communities and results into a chain of long life consequences. It affects the child’s mental health and productivity, inhibits ability to learn and thrive. As participants in this Tournament, we must desist from acts that perpetrate violence against children and usher the generation after us into a violence free world,†Kansiime Onesmus Tournament Director.
Young people are dynamic, more informed and have all the platforms like social media at their disposal to contribute to efforts aimed at ending violence against children. Debates are a platform not only for information dissemination but capacity building of the next generation of leaders, policy makers, legislators, policy implementer, parents and citizens.
These debates provided a platform to mobilize a critical set of the population that can champion the fight to end violence against children. The campaign aims to “ignite movements for, with and by children†and these movements target more than policy change but quantitative and qualitative change in norms, behaviors and practices. The student movement, with its debates, artivist capacity, social organization, dynamism and social media prowess, can be a critical asset in this change.
The Uganda Dialogue Arena (UDA) has consistently engaged several partners annually to hold such kinds of intellectual discourse among University students and Secondary schools. Bishop Stuart University (BSU) hosted 5th Edition of the UDA INTER UNIVERSITY POETRY, SKILLS EXPO AND DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIP in 2019 where Cavendish University Uganda defeated other 32 competing universities to be crowned champions. Areas of focus are Climate change, youth participation in governance among others.
]]> Parliament clears New Human Rights Commission bosses https://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210825/119990/parliament-clears-new-human-rights-commission-bosses.html Wed, 25 Aug 2021 09:25:22 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=119990 The Parliament’s Appointments Committee chaired by Deputy Speaker Anitah Among, has on Wednesday vetted five newly-appointed members of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC).The members led by the chairperson, Mariam Wangadya, were recently appointed by President Yoweri Museveni to the human rights commission.
Wangadya is the former Deputy Inspector General of Government.
Besides Wangadya, Museveni appointed former Ethics and Integrity Minister, Fr Simon Lokodo, and former Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) coordinator, Crispin Kaheeru, to the commission.
Others are Democratic Party member, Shifra Lukwago; and former Sheema district Woman Member of Parliament, Jacklet Atuhaire.
]]> BBNaija 6; Boma the American actor, model is a terrible kisser â€" says Angel https://www.watchdoguganda.com/entertainment/big-brother-naija-dairy/20210825/119987/bbnaija-6-boma-the-american-actor-model-is-a-terrible-kisser-says-angel.html Wed, 25 Aug 2021 08:58:21 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=119987 The 21-year-old shine ya eye housemate Angel who was also the first female housemate to enter the Big Brother house this season has banned current lover Boma from her bed.The flirting queen had something with housemate Sammie -the director during week one and dumped him the following week.
While explaining the situation to fellow housemates she said that she only wanted to have fun and wasnt about to get involved in anything serious with anyone.
However when new housemates entered the house she made a move on one of them called Micheal after one Saturday party where she tried to seduce him but he rejected her saying “she’s not his type of girlâ€.
Angel kept using her seductive moves on male housemates like Emmanuel, Michael, Cross and whoever gave her attention which almost brought an end to some relationships for example Emmanuel â€" Liquorose and Jackie B- Micheal. Luckily enough the Angel issue was solved by both couples.
During one of her dairy sessions Angel told Big Brother that her crush in the house is Cross.
Maria who was the head of house during that week complained to big brother about Angel not having bounderies when she’s around boys that are apparently having relationships in the house. When big brother asked her why she blames Angel and not the men Fly girl responded that “ boys will always be boys “ which big brother responded that since Boys will be Boys â€" Angel will be Angel.
In the same week ( week 4 ) Angel being Angel got involved in a heated romance with the American actor / model who was the deputy head of house and she seemed to really have been having a good time late in the night when the lights are off.
However when she was having a one on one conversation with fellow housemate JMK on Tuesday after the Dano milk task Angel said Boma is the worst kisser in the house which turns her off and that she wanted him off her bed .
Does Angel seriously get bored with men in house that easily? So far 2 men down, Let’s wait and see who her next victim will be.
By Rheetur N.
]]> I Escaped Both Poverty and Divorce. Kiwanga Doctors are the Solution https://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210825/119985/i-escaped-both-poverty-and-divorce-kiwanga-doctors-are-the-solution.html Wed, 25 Aug 2021 08:35:37 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=119985 Poverty is a very bad thing and with it marriages are not so safe. It is just hard to livetogether in peace without money. I and my wife had this type of life for many years.
It came to my realization that most of our neighbors liked it so much when we had
wrangles with my wife due to lack of money and so they kept on feeding her with false
thoughts and opinions against me. They told her how lazy I was. It was a painful
experience.
These wrangles escalated and risked our marriage to a level that I was almost giving up
in life. It was not good anyway.
To save our marriage, I kept convincing my wife to ignore naysayers who didn’t like
seeing us together. I kept telling her to ignore the people who never added any value to
our marriage but she was not getting convinced. She would even at some point stay for
three days without talking to me despite living under one roof.
Life took a nose dive. Divorcing her was however not the best solution as truly I loved
her but her behavior was unbecoming. She didn’t want to understand that I was trying
my best to put food on the table; she only wanted good life of cars.
One day while reading articles on the internet, I came across some interesting
testimonials from people who had faced a similar marriage challenges. They had used a
traditional doctor to help themselves. I was so much bored with her behavior which
forced me to also seek help from Kiwanga Doctors. When I sought an appointment with
them, they casted love spells in our marriage that would ensure we lived happily in our
home without any more fights.
Shortly, believe it or not, things started going the right way. She started changing and
behaving respectfully. She would praise me and encourage me to keep on pushing on
with life saying things will one day change. Money also started coming in through my
tender businesses with schools. She couldn’t believe. All these due to Kiwanga Spells.
If I had not visited Kiwanga Traditional Doctors, Upto today I would be poor and
divorced.
Kiwanga spell casting powers always work within 24 hours, mostly
happening the same day they are released. He also solves a range of life problems
ranging from family life problems like domestic violence, jealousy among relatives,
casting out demonic spirits and many others. Contact Dr Kiwanga to also treat Ulcers,
TB, Syphilis, manhood weaknesses among other health challenges just within 24hours.
Visit them today to end your problems. For consultation call: +254 769404965 E-mail: kiwangadoctors@gmail.com or visit the website www. kiwangadoctors.com. Do not hesitate to contact him in case you find yourselves in such problems. They would
help you from wherever you are. You don’t need to worry about distance ]]> How I Tripled Profits of my Online Business While Still in Campus https://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210825/119983/how-i-tripled-profits-of-my-online-business-while-still-in-campus.html Wed, 25 Aug 2021 08:33:23 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=119983 Getting money whilst still young is not easy. Nonetheless, some young men and women
are making it through this deep secrete.
My name is Anne â€" an online entrepreneur. It took me little time to change my life from
being just a mere student to a millionaire. Online marketing was the job I used to do
while still at campus. Most of the times when I had no classes I would post several
products online so that to market them. My clients wanted me to market for them their
stuff. I loved the venture because I had a huge following on social media handles. By
good luck money started flowing in every day. I had become an influencer but that big.
Shortly, my colleagues would wonder how I managed such a good life at campus level
keeping in mind life was not easy for many of them. At times, I would do the business
on free service as I wanted to market myself out there. This work really required zeal
and patience since at times I would encounter challenges while dealing with clients. It
was not easy but I kept pushing. Some clients would not pay for deliveries. Losses came
in every month but I kept pushing on
Some individuals would call me a scammer since they knew anyone who does online
business is not genuine. They didn’t know I was different and out to earn an honest
living from what I sold. I didn’t give up because I had no other alternative. It looked like
my calling.
One day, at some point, one of client who had really been impressed with my job called
me and advised me on how I could improve my business even more. He talked about a
traditional herbalist Kiwanga. He assured me that if I got the right spells for business, I
would start making millions and buy houses, land and cars. I couldn’t believe but he
gave me several living examples until I was convinced. He then gave me Dr. Kiwnaga’s
contact information and after sometimes I met him. He conducted Wealth Spells to me
and a week later, I had started having a lot of buyers calling in every day. Sales went up
and profits tripled. It was an amazing experience. Within no time I had become so much
popular to the extent I would make thousands of money despite still in campus.
At the end of that month I made a profit income of 1.5 million shillings. A lot of people
never believed as other jealous slay queens were heard saying that I had stolen the
money from my sponsor. They were wrong because I was working hard too.
Kiwanga Doctors business spells works within 24 hours. The Doctor
interrogates you and finds what you want in your business which helps him know what
really you might be lacking. He then helps. Visit them today to end your business
problems. For consultation call: +254 769404965 E-mail: kiwangadoctors@gmail.com or visit the website www. kiwangadoctors.com. ]]> Government tasked to consider teaching sign language in all schools https://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210825/119979/government-tasked-to-consider-teaching-sign-language-in-all-schools.html Wed, 25 Aug 2021 08:04:01 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=119979 The government through the ministry of Education and sports has been called upon to consider teaching sign language in all schools as a viable way to reduce communication gaps in all sectors.
This was said on Tuesday by the Resident District Commissioner of Ntungamo George Bakunda during the Ntungamo District stakeholders meeting with Support Disabled Uganda (SDU) in the district council hall.
Bakunda noted that there is a need for the government to integrate sign language in the education system such that every Ugandan can communicate well with people with speaking and hearing impairment if they are to be served well like others.
He noted that some people with disabilities in the country are facing a challenge especially with hearing and speaking impairment to service from health facilities, political, civil and religious leaders but when they are trained in schools they will be able to communicate with them effectively.
RDC Bakunda hailed Betty Kyomuhendo the executive director of Support Disabled Uganda (SDU) for the initiative aimed at improving the wellbeing of the disadvantaged people living with disabilities, orphans and other vulnerable children and adults within communities of Ntungamo district.
The executive director of Support Disabled Uganda (SDU) Betty Kyomuhendo Kyogabirwe tasked the leaders to include the PWDs on various committees of district disability councils as the only way to reduce negative attitudes of parents about their vulnerable children in communities.
She also noted that there has been a challenge of interpreters in schools and health facilities for people with disabilities.
However, the inspector of schools in charge of special needs Atukundaire Smart attributed the lack of signolists to inadequate funding to construct houses for the teachers who are employed at Rweera and Kitunga special needs units.
The chairperson of Ntungamo District Disability council Rukundo Hamidi asked leaders to advocate for disability rights rather than waiting for the mercy of NGOs.
Rev Asaph Mujuni the south Ankole diocesan head of Youth and communications urged parents to embrace the education of their children with disabilities in order to empower them academically.
Nsabimana Livingstone the programs manager Support Disabled Uganda (SDU) said that they have formed 4 PWDs community groups in Nyakyeera, Rubaare, Ruhaama East and Nyarutuntu and many others will be supported with piggery next month.
Natamba Edward the director of SOWIPA pledged total support to the Support Disabled Uganda and promised one office computer.
Ninsiima Flavia the program officer at ARISE requested the government to enroll free education to children with disabilities saying it is hard for their parents to cater for both a child and caretaker at school.
The LCV Ntungamo Samuel Mucunguzi and CAO Mukiibi Nasser implored for cooperation in order to restore hope to PWDs in the district.
Ntungamo district has 37% of PWDs out of total population according to UBOS of 2014.
]]> Coca-Cola Beverages Calls On Business Community To Support Economic Recovery Post-COVID-19 Lockdown https://www.watchdoguganda.com/news/20210825/119976/coca-cola-beverages-calls-on-business-community-to-support-economic-recovery-post-covid-19-lockdown.html Wed, 25 Aug 2021 07:52:50 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=119976 Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda has called upon the Uganda Business Community to do more to support economic recovery post the COVID-19 lockdown.Hosting a selection of business partners at the Coca-Cola bottling plant in Namanve, Mukono District, today, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa officials said the private sector had a key role to play in supporting each other to emerge stronger from the impact of COVID-19 and the lockdown period.
“COVID-19 has affected all of us, but we cannot let the disease keep us down. We must do everything we can to thrive and emerge stronger â€" and we cannot do so on our own. We have said time and again that we must focus on our people â€" which includes our business partners as key stakeholders. Everything we do to support them will support us and the Ugandan economy,†said Sales Director, Mrs. Flavia Nabaasa.
Mrs. Nabaasa was officiating at a ceremony handing over Tuk-Tuk motorcycles to fourteen (14) distribution stockists, as tools of trade to make it easier for them to accelerate their business delivery with agility while meeting COVID-19 SOPs.
“We encourage innovative methods of speeding up business delivery, and in Kampala Tuk-Tuks are a good example of this. In this new period more people are spending time at home, so we know that Tuk Tuks will make it easier for our trade partners to service the trade that goes right into people’s homes. This is one way we can support business partners to recover faster in the trade,†she added.
The fourteen (14) business partners were selected through a competitive process designed to ensure that the faster growing businesses in their segment do not falter in the wake of the COVID-19 disruptions.
“We are happy that we have the opportunity to be supportive and show how we value our partners. We encourage more businesses in Uganda to reach out and support growing businesses and SMEs. That is how the economy will grow faster â€" if we all play part in supporting each other. Many of the SMEs have no access to any economic stimulus programme from the government, so we should not make them wait for that,†Mrs. Nabaasa added.
After the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda supported business partners directly in stock by replacing drinks that had expired during the months’ long lockdown.
“This is what we mean by Customer Obsession â€" one of our commitments in 2021. We will prioritize our customers’ needs and find many ways of supporting them so we can win together in the marketplace. This is important for their employees, and all their families, and translates into the entire economy of Uganda benefitting. If all businesses do this we will all win,†Mrs. Nabaasa said.
As a company, CCBA continues to support a value chain that employs over 500,000 people. This investment in any customer of business partner provides value and determination for many Ugandans down the line; this will always remain a clear goal for CCBA in Uganda.
The winners include Nalukwago Florence, HJM Traders, Kenstie, Yasin Bukenya, Assimwe James, Ronnie Kasangaki, Beskom enterprises, Kampe Felix, JB Kijaguzo, Turyazayo Betty and Niwamanya Junior.
JB Kijaguzu who was among the winners had this to say: “Thank you very much Coca-Cola for remembering us during this covid session which has disrupted our businesses. With this, we shall be able to transport the products to every area thereby boosting our businesses. Being part of the winners has strengthened my zeal to work even harder.â€
Fred Kabaseke who has been in the retail business for 25 years says that the Tuk- Tuk will ease movement and transportation of his products to his customers.
]]> JOSEPH M. MUMBE: God has Powers to Sanitize Leaders Of Today https://www.watchdoguganda.com/op-ed/20210825/119974/joseph-m-mumbe-god-has-powers-to-sanitize-leaders-of-today.html Wed, 25 Aug 2021 07:36:10 +0000 https://www.watchdoguganda.com/?p=119974 Some people learn the hard way while others heed and change. The Bible has a story of the then ruler of Babylonia who, on many occasions did not acknowledge the power and counsel of God until a decree was made against him to become mad “insaneâ€. He scientifically went through stages of metamorphosis.The stages of metamorphosis comprised three; from man to beast and back to man becoming insane and living a beastly life. Word study (etymology) indicates that ‘insane’ roots from the Latin ‘insunus’, meaning mad, of unsound mind, outrageous. Its opposite is sane, (of sound mind, free from disorder). It has evolved to sanitation and sanitize. The life of Nebuchadnezzar and how he responded to God’s grace is a lesson to all leaders, believers and the governments.
The story of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:1-37) should serve as an eye opener in relation to God’s dealing with man. The incident took place in kingdom which is the present Iraq and Syria. He ascended to power and reigned between C.605 and C. 561BC.
. Being powerful, he never thought there was any mightier than he was until his pride reached the apex for God to make a verdict (4:16). It was a time that the ruler was in heights of prosperity, successful building projects, military might (4:4) etc. without acknowledging the creator, giver and protector. Many times, people forget God amidst prosperity and remember him in times of need.
Man is naturally prone to pervasiveness despite God’s unmatched perseverance and grace. God in his grace rarely does anything without warning (Amos 3:6). There will always be indicators of God’s intervention although man tends to ignore. Nebuchadnezzar was warned several times in dreams of a tree, in the fiery furnace in which God saved the young men (3:1-14) but he never changed. He had all opportunities to repent but didn’t. He spent his time building the army, consulting magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, astrologers, and only gave the last chance to prophet of God -Daniel. Cf Dan. 2:2; 4:7.
Once, the king took a tour of his magnificent palace, pondered and in pride said, “Is this not the Babylon I have built by my might power and for the glory of my majesty?†Dan. 4:30. No sooner had these words left the king’s mouth than a verdict was pronounced. In his interpretation of the King’s dream, Daniel had assured him that he was the tree that would be cut (4:22), driven away from people and be given the mind of an animal until times pass ‘when you will acknowledge God is sovereign’. (Dan. 4:23, 24). The Pagan Babylonian ruler lived a life of man, beast then man again. God rebuked him, removed, refined, and restored him to sanity. Today in science, the disease associated to that is called Boanthrapy, a psychological disorder in which the sufferer believes he is a cow or an ox. (The pharmaceutical journal, July 2013, online). His life serves as true witness that the God of the universe is God of Israel, who is present and rules over all kingdoms irrespective of the prevailing situations. He appoints leaders and abases the proud. (Daniel 4:37; James 4:6).
There are modern Nebuchadnezzars whose love for power, military might, international relations, infrastructure building, oil plants etc., have led to materialistic lunacy. Without concern for the oppressed and recognizing God the creator of heavens and earth, they can ring-fence their positions, fortify their residences and crash and thwart every upcoming leader thinking no one else is above them. Power obsession should be declared a pandemic in our nation, all leadership spheres from church, corporate, political organizations. Leaders worship their accomplishments, ‘I did….,’ ‘My…’ ‘I won’t accept….,’ among many utterances as God looks on in patience. When their pride reaches the apex, the Almighty will act since there is time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3). Like the maize weevil “ndiwuliraâ€, they rarely hear until calamity befalls them but sanity must be restored.
Before the verdict is pronounced by the Mightier ruler, you have ample time to repent and change (salvation). Whoever has ears, let him hear what the Spirit says… (Revelation 3:6).
mumbej@yahoo.com
The author is Theologian and Educator.
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