By Peter Mwibanda.
As a citizen, the love for one’s country runs deep. The rolling landscapes, the vibrant cultures, the shared dreams of its people—these are the things that bind us to our homeland.
However, it is painful when the government, tasked with stewarding the nation’s prosperity and safeguarding its dignity, becomes a source of shame.
Today, I reflect on the paradox of loving my country while being ashamed of its government. The list of grievances is long, but a few stand out as glaring indictments of a leadership gone astray.
Budgeted Corruption: The Nation’s Silent Killer.
Every year, national budgets are passed with pomp and ceremony, promising development and growth.
Yet, hidden within these budgets are allocations that seem designed more for personal enrichment than public service.
Massive projects are announced with inflated costs, only for the funds to mysteriously disappear into private accounts.
It’s no secret that corruption has been institutionalized, with deals negotiated in backrooms, funds siphoned off before a single road is built or a hospital is equipped.
This mismanagement not only derails progress but also undermines the trust of citizens who yearn for accountability.
Overtaxation: Squeezing Blood from a Stone
Citizens are constantly told that taxes are the backbone of national development. Yet, as the tax burden grows heavier, so does the sense of injustice.
For many, the rewards of hard work are eroded by relentless taxation that funds lavish lifestyles for a select few rather than improving public infrastructure, education, or healthcare.
The average citizen feels trapped in a cycle where they contribute more but see less in return. Instead of being partners in national growth, they are treated as cash cows to sustain a broken system.
Deals Made by Proxies: The Art of Deception.
Government contracts, land acquisitions, and resource allocations are increasingly marred by shadowy dealings. Proxies—individuals or entities acting on behalf of powerful politicians—are used to mask conflicts of interest and facilitate theft.
These proxies secure lucrative deals under dubious circumstances, robbing citizens of transparency and fair opportunities. The result is a governance system where merit is sidelined in favor of cronyism and plunder.
Abductions and Forced Disappearances: The Dark Shadow of Fear
Perhaps the most chilling aspect of this governance failure is the normalization of abductions and forced disappearances.
Citizens who dare to speak out against injustice or demand accountability are silenced, often without a trace.
This culture of fear not only violates basic human rights but also cripples democracy. When citizens are afraid to demand better governance, tyranny flourishes.
State Capture: When the System Serves a Few
At its core, state capture is the hijacking of government institutions to serve private interests.
It manifests in judiciary manipulation, regulatory bodies being rendered toothless, and security forces becoming instruments of oppression rather than protection.
In such an environment, the government ceases to function as a representative of the people. Instead, it becomes a mechanism for a small elite to consolidate power and wealth at the expense of the majority.
A Call for Change
Despite these challenges, my love for my country remains unshaken. It is this love that fuels my anger and disappointment, for I know the potential we have as a nation.
We must demand better from our leaders. We must refuse to normalize corruption, overtaxation, and injustice.
Let us rally together, not with the intent to destroy, but to rebuild. Our voices, our votes, and our collective actions are powerful tools for change.
It’s time to remind our government that it exists to serve the people—not the other way around. Only then can we transform shame into pride and despair into hope.
Let us rise, not in rebellion against our country, but in defense of it. For in the end, our loyalty lies with the people and the ideals that make our nation worth loving.
Ends.
