MinBane
I write what I like.
Archive for the category “Education”
Opinion: Captain Lubeere is the fall-guy
After two weeks of heavy military presence and raids at the halls and campus of Makerere University. This comes after international community outcry as well, as Mastercard Foundation statement as well. The army reacts and suddenly let one of their men go. This happens as the state has violated the turf of the students, they have raided their homes, hurt people with violent acts, harmed their lives and assaulted them. They have used tear-gas and live-bullets in and around the halls. Clearly doing it while looking for the ones initiating the demonstrations.
Therefore, when the news struck yesterday, that the army is probing one guy. I am just asking myself. Isn’t that a nice goat, to be precise, a fabulous scapegoat.
Look at this:
“UPDF army has arrested the officer who commanded military into Makerere University protest over the 15% tuition increment. Army spokesperson, Brig Richard Karemire has ordered for the arrest of Capt Richard Lubeere” (Delta TV Uganda, 01.11.2019).
Well, what can I say, he was not alone doing this. His a captain, he didn’t do this with the chain-in-command, neither without instructions what to do and what to look for. The Captain didn’t walk blindly into Lumumba or Mitchell and considered the implication of life, faith and possible horrific events that would transpire. No, most likely he followed command and ordered it accordingly. Just like all fellow officers of the police, and the soldiers on campus.
All of them was following orders from above. They were all liable for their actions still, but this doesn’t mean that one man is the only culprit. All of the soldiers who violated the students should answer for their deeds. All of the officers/soldiers who has hurt, hospitalized and raped students. Should answer for their crimes, as they targeted innocent civilians, some who just happen to live their and reside on campus. They were not even participating in the demonstrations. Still, they did this.
It is not like the commander is innocent. His not, he should answer for the deeds done at Makerere. But he shouldn’t do it alone. The ones ordering him and directing him should also answer, together with the ones shooting the live-bullet,s the one throwing the tear-gas, the ones beating and arresting students. The ones raping students and so-on. All of them are liable for the crimes committed. The destruction of property, the breach of trust between the security officials and the students. Should all answer for this.
However, the state thinks the public are stupid enough to just let one man take the blame. It’s like they are following this hook from Akon:
“ I understand that there are some problems
And I’m not too blind to know
All the pain you kept inside you
Even though you might not show
If I can apologize for being wrong
Then it’s just a shame on me
I’ll be the reason for your pain
And you can put the blame on me
You could put the blame on me” (Akon – ‘Sorry, blame it on me’ 2007).
Still, as stated earlier, the captain is a beautiful goat, a fine specimen, his the well-rounded scapegoat. Peace.
