Thomas Aquinass Op-Ed Piece on the Walk to Work Controversy in Uganda by Atukunda Rachael Zaramba

The recurring saga of walk to work demonstrations led by opposition leader Dr. Besigye in the year 2011 in Uganda has created a controversy regarding its true causes and implications. The protests are to the tune of general economic disgruntlement and the need for the government to intervene and control the increasing prices of food and fuel in Uganda. These demonstrations have resulted in police retaliation through tear gas and in some unfortunate cases, police brutality that led to death and serious injuries of the participants and neutral civilians alike. I am of the school of thought that these demonstrations are not purely for the sake of the economic woes troubling this nation, but rather a question of the legitimacy of the government and a direct insult to the reigning political powers that be. I believe that the state preserves an orderly society by maintaining internal peace and stability1. It does this by ensuring that the inhabitants of its walls are satisfied in terms of their material necessities. Therefore the government does need to regulate the internal conditions and economic activities by creating laws which are meant to uphold the common good and happiness of its people and prevent any form of chaos that would undermine the environment of peace and happiness. The global economic situation is dire enough to be called a crisis in need of redemption. In light of this men and women in true adherence to our human nature have looked to reason to explain the situation if not to completely cure it. This has led to the posing of several questions. Questions that I think a combination of natural human reason that our heavenly father granted us and the laws made by our governments as well as the divine intervention of his supreme law would do well to answer: 1. Is it a question of just leadership? Or, is it, 2. A question of just price.
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ODonovan and ODonovan quoting Thomas on page 332 On Kingship it is plain therefore that the king is one who rules the people of one city or province and rules them for the common good following the biblical order in Ecclesiastes 5;9

I phrase the questions like this simply because no one ought to be foolish enough to look at these demonstrations as quite frankly a question of economic woes, especially since they are being led by the biggest political rival to the current president of the country. Therefore in more ways than one, these demonstrations are a direct affront to the political leadership of this country. The justice of 'just prices.' The reply to the first question is clear; to perceive a fact simply as such and apart from its implications requires the reasoning of men, a sense which is natural to us as we are more than mere animals. The fact therein is that the rising inflation by 28 %, the ever increasing fuel prices and the depreciation of the shilling against the dollar has increased the cost of living Uganda. This is a fact. The world is undergoing an ugly economic spill and the third world countries such as Uganda are taking the load quite heavily. The fact is also that other countries are suffering a similar plight. Sudan staged demonstrations2 just last week against the rising prices in their country. It is only pragmatic for man in his reasoning to seek salvation in these times. It is far from just as I have often said before, for a man to cause another man to lose his money by making a charge for lending the money itself, such an inequality is clearly unjust3. When I speak of just price it is the altering of prices by sellers because the demand for those commodities has gone up. There are however other means through which prices may become unjust that have little to do with the bargaining power of sellers, but rather to do with the inability of the ruling power to control these prices. The argument forwarded by these walk to work protestors is that they hope to press the government to act by controlling the prices of imported commodities. A sort of further press on the government to control prices, which dare I say is not a farfetched request. The ruling power after all is placed in its position by God4 who gives all authority to reign temporarily on earth for the common good of all the subjects5. This recent week had the call for

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Sudanese protest against cost of living The New Vision Newspaper, Thursday 13th October On Justice summa Theologiae. Thomas Aquinas making a charge for lending money is unjust in itself, for one party sells the other something nonexistent, and this obviously sets up an inequality which is contrary to justice. This in essence is the original cause of the economic crisis in the United States. The credit crunch set in motion several other economic crises. Hence one of the causes of the situation in Uganda right now. 4 Romans 13:1-2let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no power but from God. whoever resists authority resists the ordinance of God. 5 Ibid. Romans 13.

demonstrations made by a coalition of opposition politicians led by Masaka municipality MP, Mathias Mpunga. 6 I must note that this display of reason embedded in human beings is to be commended, for a man cannot sit back while he suffers unjustly the repercussions of actions that are not his own, especially to the detriment of his financial pockets. However, it must be remembered that at the very beginning of the year, these are the very same politicians who staged demonstrations that disrupted business throughout the city and led to loss of lives and property. Is not their reasoning subject to natural logic through sound queries such as?
1. Will the government respond any differently to an approach which proved futile over

several attempts?
2. Do we devalue the lives of our fellow human beings so entirely that we risk their well

being by placing them in the line of fire of death, arrest and physical injury?
3. Do we realize that Uganda is not the only one suffering in this global economic climate?

I would labor to answer these questions but I am hoping that you have seen the rhetoric simplicity in their answers. In reply to the first question it is quite simply stated that we know that the four cardinal virtues are prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude7, revealed in nature and binding on everyone, therefore how can these prudent men and women hold so tightly to a means of achieving justice that has proved futile in the past? Is this a logical response? No it is not. In addition to this, it is only natural for man to desire to live and procreate, for all human tendencies are geared towards real human goods such as the creation of a family and the furtherance of mankind. For if the answer to the second question is No, then the leaders of these demonstrations would have found other means of claiming their rights because of their regard for human life and justice. Natural law dictates that human value human for we are all created in the image of God8. That is the sense of justice meant to be inherent in all of us. For the virtue of justice, is the habit whereby a man renders to each one his due by a constant and perpetual will9. In this regard, it is mans due to enjoy the life that God gave him. For the

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13 Arrested as walk protests resume. John Njoroge ad mercy Nalugo. Monitoronline 17th October 2011 Summa theologiea; secunda secundae; which lays out the ethical theories such as virtues and their respective vicesjcu.edu/philosophy/gensler/ms/Aquinas.htm 8 In illustration of this value, we realize mans need for friendship, friendship promotes virtue from book 2 on kingship. 9 Summa Theologiae 1a2ae.90-108 (on law)

demonstrators to blatantly disregard the life of their fellow man by marching him up to trigger happy policemen is not just at all. A Question of just leadership. I am confident that by this point, it is clear what I think of this walk to work business. I believe that it is motivated by political qualms rather than economic woes. (Despite the apparent presence of the latter) We may wonder whether those in power in this country deserve to be obeyed. The answer to this is that those who attain power by violence are not truly rulers; therefore their subjects are not bound to obey them. However, president Museveni attained power through democratic means. Through public consent in a majority vote, he became the leader of the people of Uganda. In this regard his leadership is legitimate. The only thing left to out wonderment is whether the laws under his government are just as well. In order for one to judge a law as being just, they must ensure that it passes all the 3 counts of a just law10; first of all, a law is said to be just from its end, when it supports the common good, secondly from its authority when the law giver does not exceed his power and lastly from the good of the whole when it places equitable burdens on its subjects. Although Augustine implies that there never was a law which offended the rights of man11, I believe that there may be laws which may do so justly for the sake of the common good. In the case of Uganda, the two laws causing an annoyance to the protestors rights are first of all that if they protest by walking to work and are arrested they shall be denied bail and secondly if they wish to protest they must first seek the permission of the police. I will now discuss why these two laws may separately be deemed just or unjust; When president Museveni proposed the bill that those who would demonstrate would be denied bail upon arrest, there was a general out cry from the multitudes of Ugandans through their parliamentary representatives. For in this regard by posing such a law, he was being an unjust leader by exceeding his power and undermining the common good granted by the right to bail. Remember, it is not possible for one man to arrive at the knowledge of all things through individual reason, as social animals, the collective reasoning of men contributes to his wisdom as
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Summa Theologiae 96,4 Reply; if human laws are just it is because they have an eternal binding force as they are derived form Gods eternal law. Proverbs 8;15 through me kings reign, and the lawmakers decree just things. 11 ODonovan and ODonovan pg347 Augustine observes that there never seems to have been a law that was not just. In human matters we call something just from its being in accordance with reason.

it did in this case where the president realized the unjust character of his proposed law and was forced to abandon it.12Secondly, for the ruling authority to decide that the freedom to protest is limited to those granted permission, it may seem like a limitation of freedom, but it is for the common good which is the peace of all Ugandans. In the past, unlicensed demonstrations have led to loss of lives and property, therefore this deprivation of the right to freedom of expression through protesting is just on the grounds of its ultimate respect of the common good. For as human beings placed on this earth by our heavenly father to live in communion with one another, there is undoubtedly a need for happiness. Public authorities such President Museveni are the chief guardians of the common good. It is therefore no wonder why these demonstrations are targeted towards his authority. As social animals we require the leadership of the skilled pilot to navigate us through the changing winds. In the specific circumstances of Uganda. The mighty unrelenting wind from the west that has brought with it economic crises has put the state at a point of desperation. Therefore we must look to the leader put in place by the supreme will of God13 as a source of temporary salvation. He then makes decisions that are deemed just by the multitude of free men living within his country. For if they were not just would he not implore the wrath of God upon himself14 In the instance of these walk to work demonstrations, it is apparent that the presidents intolerance of the protests is supported by a great many Ugandans. Youth groups and family oriented organizations have come up to condemn the demonstrations15. I myself find that Arch bishop Lwangas call to Ugandans to shun walk to work was a wise decision because it would be a clear disregard for the ordained authority of the president and his police force.16This week as
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ODonovan and ODonovan quoting on kingship page 330 but it is not possible for one man to arrive at knowledge of ll these things by his own individual reason. It is therefore necessary in a multitude so that each one may assist his fellows. This establishes the fact that the president made a wise decision to seek the approval of his fellow man in proposing that bill. 13 Ezekiel 37:24 my servant shall be king over them and they shall have one shepherd. To quote on kingship; it clearly shows that it is the will of God that his people should have a king who is therefore the chief seeking common good for the people of his kingdom. 14 Ezekiel 34; 2 woe be to the shepherds of Israel that feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? the common good of any people comes about by the provision of their leaders. 15 Ugandans now understand that it is a global crisis and not merely a domestic one causing the financial problems. Having originally misunderstood the rising prices. Regional and global economies are hurting and technocrats are burning their fingers trying to ameliorate the situation. Government and bank of Uganda are seriously plotting on how to arrest the situation. In fact the president has called his cabinet and NRM party MPs for a retreat at Kyankwanzi leadership institute to exchange ideas on the way forward. As per Obed K Katureebe, a Monitor Newspaper reporter. 16 While delivering his sermons during the Rubaga Cathedral Parish day on Sunday, October 16, Kampala Archbishop Cyprian Lwanga implored Ugandans to shun recent calls by opportunistic politicians to cause massive demonstrations across the country. It was reported that the Archbishop told Ugandans to resist going into

the walk to work demonstrations resumed, it could not be ignored by the reasoning minds of men and women in Uganda that senior four students were sitting for their final exams. The governing authority implored the demonstrators to avoid taking to the streets and disrupting peace if not for the sake of common decency then for the sake of the future leaders of the country who were taking their exams. The demonstrators of course did not listen to this reasoning. S4 candidates all over the city did their exams amidst the soundtrack of violence, gunshots and screaming. Is this not a clear indicator of a cause that does not respect the common good? I am confident in the fact that all law derives its legitimacy from the eternal law of God. For this eternal law is the wisdom of God which guides the events of Uganda. Now, the argument by some is that it is the tyrannical rule of dictators like Museveni (so dubbed a dictator by the misguided western media) that creates rules forbidding people to walk to work. However, as already examined this rule surely aims to establish justice and uphold the common good. It does this by ensuring the following; 1. Protection of civilians not involved in the hostilities. 2. Maintenance of peace and economic stability. As already mentioned several businesses closed down and property destroyed during these demonstrations, as most of the demonstrators are the lumpen proletariats of society who thirst for chaos and destruction of civilization. 3. Of recent, the protection and respect of the next generations educational needs. Indeed, if there was a majority of Ugandans advocating for the walk to work demonstrations to occur then the case would be settled and the aims for the common good would be altered from what is above.17 This leads us to what the real question is. For as examined it is not an issue of unjust leadership and although meritous, it is barely an issue of unjust prices. This is what the real issue is; the political lusts of the opposition leader Besigye have not been satisfied. It is common knowledge
demonstrations which usually degenerate into riots causing heavy losses to the majority poor urban dwellers. He further cautioned them that demonstrations are not offering a solution to the current economic hardships instead they worsen the situation. 17th October 2011, monitor online 17 Majority of Ugandans have voiced concerns about the walk to work demonstrations. Expressing fear that the demonstrations will affect them negatively. According to Monitor online, Obed K Katureebe. 17 October 2011protestors wrote a letter to police chief General kayihura requesting permission to stage walk t work demonstrations but he wrote back saying that he could not honour their request because the police had received several petitions against the protests from several interest groups. Of particular concern, he said were parents and school administrators who informed him that the protests would paralyse public transport and disrupt peace unyet national exams were to begin that week.

that he lost this years presidential elections again. He made a statement to the effect that he was not going to subject himself to the processes of law and the courts if he lost and sure to his word, three weeks after losing the election, he spearheaded the walk to work demonstrations that have left people injured, dead and property destroyed. The blindest of men will see the connection between this political disgruntlement and the protests against high commodity prices. Why is it that every time he stages a walk to work it must be to and from area to which he has no employment or residential affiliation? Why is that every time he walks to work , it is a large gathering that lasts several hours and several speeches in one location that has no bearing to his employment? And finally, my brothers and sisters, why is that he is accompanied to his work place by unemployed masses? What work do they do? The skillful art of loitering? This walk to work controversy is no more than an attempt by a former presidential candidate to cause civil unrest and maintain some semblance of relevance in an indifferent world. If there is indeed an excess of tyranny as the western media so delights in expressing it, then the natural reason embedded in the minds of Ugandans would not permit it.18 I find myself concluding that if such a tyranny exists, it is of the mildest form, a form which the people of Uganda can tolerate. However, if the rage of a man such as Besigye allows him privy to the throne of leadership in this country, are the people not doomed to suffer his selfishness? For what kind of malice lies in the heart of a men that they may cunningly manipulate the language of justice to cause their fellow man to stumble into the fumes of tear gas, or come face to face with the barrel of a police mans gun or to lose their hard earned money through destruction of property. Is this not the very symbol of injustice that they who walk the streets to alleged jobs seek to admonish? I say that it is. Indeed, the true injustice is this very walk to work demonstration for it does not serve the common good.

BIBLIOGRAPHY REFERENCE BOOKS AND TEXTS

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Indeed if there be not an excess of tyranny it is more expedient to tolerate the milder tyranny for a while than by acting against the tyrant to become involved in many perils more grievous than the tyranny itself. For it may happen that those who act against the tyrant are unable to prevail and the tyrant will rage the more. On Kingship, book 1 by Thomas Aquinas.

1. THE HOLY BIBLE. KING JAMES VERSION 2. A SOURCEBOOK IN CHRISTIAN POLITICAL THOUGHT. OLIVER ODONOVAN AND JOAN LOCKWOOD ODONOVAN. WM.B EERDMANS PUBLISHING CO.

ARTICLES, WEBSITES AND OTHER REFERENCE MATERIALS

4. THE NEW VISION NEWSPAPER Thursday October 13th 2011

5. www.allafrica.com/stories 6. www.monitoronline.com 7. www.hop.dukejournal.org/content 8. www.quebecoislibre.org 9. www.aquinasonline.com/bibliography

BY THOMAS AQUINAS.
10. SUMMA THEOLOGIAE (PART 1 AND 2) 11. ON KINGSHIP (BOOK 1 AND 2)