What did Danish envoy Barlyng achieve in Uganda?

Give credit where it is due. Unlike many diplomats who have ended their tour of duty in Uganda by dumping their long-suffering wives, marrying local women and settling here to carry out 'consultancy work'; the outgoing Danish Ambassador, Stig Barlyng is leaving with his attractive wife, Jette, to take up a new post in Ghana.

Fortunately for Jette, it must be said, if her husband can resist the stunningly pretty Ugandan women then she can breathe a sigh of relief and begin looking forward to happy retirement with Stig.

Unfortunately for Stig, in the modern world, a diplomat's success is not about keeping your partner. Rather, it is based on a do-or-die management paradigm where outcomes are measured against inputs.

According to Foreign Office documents in Copenhagen, the Royal Danish government is pouring money into Uganda to pursue five "strategic priorities" aimed at tackling poverty and preventing war:

Supporting the democratisation process to prevent armed conflicts as a means of solving political disputes, and ensuring that marginalised people are able to access the justice system.

Supporting good governance to ensure that public service including health, education and clean water is delivered to the poor in a more efficient, effective, transparent and accountable manner. Promoting agriculture and improving road transportation to increase household incomes. And fighting corruption, which "is rampant in Uganda and is widely regarded as the major constraint for poverty reduction".

Ugandans are entitled not only to ask the Royal Danish government, but also to expect answers to questions about their Ambassador's achievements with regard to their five strategic priorities.

Is Uganda more democratic today compared to 2003 when he took up his post in Kampala? If so, why did the 2006 report of European Union Election Observers Mission make these damning declarations?

"The pre-election and campaign periods were dominated by controversial court cases brought by the state against the leading Opposition candidate, Dr Besigye, which significantly limited the time he had to campaign and the extent to which he could travel around the country."

"Tension built up during the last two weeks before election day after acts of violence during rallies left many Opposition supporters dead or injured."
"The President and his party utilised state resources in support of their campaign, including use of government cars and personnel."

"Overall, the elections fell short of full compliance with international principles for genuine democratic elections, in particular because, despite the adoption of a Multi-party system, the structures of the Movement system and its officially sanctioned organs remained intact, active and funded by the state throughout the election period."

What has Mr Barlyng done to implement the 43 recommendations of the EU Election Observer Mission, aimed at ensuring free and fair elections in 2011, especially the following?

"Amending the law to introduce an open, transparent and publicly accountable system for the nomination, selection and appointment of the Election Commissioners, free from any political interference."

"Removing guaranteed seats for the army; reinstating the two-term limit; improving the voter registration process; and developing an adequate system of access to the state media."

"Ensuring the independence of the Judiciary" because "interference with the judiciary independence has a negative impact on public confidence during an election process."

Has Mr Barlyng "persuaded" Uganda government to prosecute officials who diverted the Global Fund money?
As for human rights, where is Mr Ronald Kasekende, the former Makerere University student and a torture victim who sought sanctuary in his official residence from where he was recaptured by soldiers?

If Mr Barlyng could be sprayed with tear gas in the High Court on November 16, 2005, what level of abuse are ordinary Ugandans enduring?
What democracy is in Uganda where Opposition MPs have to walk out of Parliament and sit at the veranda to make their point; and female MPs are beaten and almost stripped naked?

With Joesph Kifefe, David Oboma, Moses Damani and Denis Nabireba having died in detention; Dr Besigye still facing treason, punishable by death; Lt. Ramathan Magara walking free having murdered Vincent Kavuma, Gideon Makabayi, Joseph Wegulo and Haruna Byamukama; corruption becoming institutional while abject poverty spreads; hasn't Ambassador Barlyng been an utter failure?

But is the Danish Royal government aware that their ambassador once acted as a Movement cadre when during the October 28, 2005 meeting with EU diplomats and the Opposition Forum for Democratic Change, he asked Dr Besigye to account for reports that he was leading the mythical People's Redemption Army as reported by the Red Pepper which is as reputable as a pornography publication?

--
Jean-Louis Kayitenkore
Procurement Consultant
Gsm: +250-08470205
Home: +250-55104140
P.O. Box 3867
Kigali-Rwanda
East Africa
Blog: http://www.cepgl.blogspot.com
Skype ID : Kayisa66