Goodbye Raymond, but do not gaslight us

What the report says

The Observer published a commentary reacting to Raymond Mujuni’s decision to join government, framing the move as more than a routine career change. The writer argues that people should not present the decision as politically neutral or as automatic proof of public service, especially in Uganda’s long-running political environment. The piece says the meaning of serving the state depends on the character of the state itself, and suggests that professional skill can be used to sustain harmful systems as well as beneficial ones.

The article places Mujuni within a broader class of young, educated Ugandan professionals whose choices can carry political consequences. It contrasts situations where public officials genuinely serve the public with cases where state institutions are seen as detached from citizens’ interests. The writer also questions the idea that the key problem in government is a lack of intelligent people, arguing instead that the real issue is what capable people are willing to do within the system.

While acknowledging that Mujuni may have personal and financial reasons for his decision, the commentary says he should own the political implications of moving from a prominent role in the People Power movement to the establishment. The piece ultimately calls for honesty about the trade-offs between career advancement, conscience and political commitment.