This archive report was first published on 2 October 2019.
By JOACHIM BUWEMBO
Uganda's reputation as a secure environment has been shattered in recent years, with brutal murders becoming a daily occurrence. The country's tolerant government, which allows citizens to express themselves freely, has created a culture where human life is valued less.
Unlike in a dictatorship, where the government is the primary source of violence, in Uganda, it is often ordinary citizens who take the law into their own hands. A hitman can be hired for as little as $35 to kill someone, making it easy for individuals to settle scores or eliminate perceived threats.
Land disputes, job promotions, and even romantic relationships have become catalysts for violence. The ease with which lives are taken has led to a sense of hopelessness among Ugandans, with many wishing for a stronger approach to security.
Political killings, often carried out to discredit the government, have also become a concern. The targeting of Muslim clerics, young single mothers, and even top cops has created a sense of unease. The lack of successful prosecutions and the use of gangster-style tactics by security officers have only added to the problem.
As a result, Uganda's culture of tolerance has become a double-edged sword, allowing citizens to express themselves freely but also creating an environment where human life is valued less.
