The Zambian government announced yesterday that it is in receipt of an enquiry from the Ugandan government in respect of allegations of electoral malpractice in the recently held general elections in that country. Through Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Kalaba, the PF government has already distanced itself from the former diplomat’s remarks and expressed regret accordingly.
Dr. Mwaanga is reported to have retorted angrily defending his remarks calling them an act of freedom of expression. That forms the background of the case I choose to address today. Why should Uganda bother about remarks made by Vernon Mwaanga and why should the Zambian government take them seriously?
At one level, one might say, “Come on Zambia and Uganda, this man is not even in government any more, don’t waste your breath over what he says. You have more important things to worry about”. Sounds reasonable to me. In interpersonal communication, that might work. In international relations, the rules of engagement are totally different.
Here is why. You see, VJ (as he is fondly known and apparently a title he cherishes) is a well-known personality on the world stage. You and I in Zambia may emphasize his fall from grace (am referring to drug issues here) but the world out there does not seem to count that. VJ heavily contributed to the foreign policy that was identified with Zambia and personified by Kaunda.
If the majority of Zambians are not cognizant of this fact, it is because foreign policy issues are hardly on the table during election periods and in most public discourses. Also, we are a country that does not have a culture of celebrating its own citizens but instead takes pleasure (unwittingly sometimes) in popping champaigne when a celebrated character comes tumbling down.
In government circles, especially at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, VJ’s contributions are well known. I sense the fact that it was with this fact in mind that the Zambian Foreign Affairs Minister made his initial remarks with calmness and dignity even calling Dr. Mwaanga his elder brother. Even the latest remarks are couched in very decent terms.
But I was shocked and deeply disappointed when VJ retorted like an arrow shot from a sling or an ill-tampered old man with a reputation for insulting his nurses at the slightest of infractions. I went like, “what! Really! Has someone just lost their mind”!
If it be of any consolation to Dr. Mwaanga, there’s a silver lining in this whole saga. He is taken seriously enough to warrant attention. Uganda and the Zambian governments respect him and hold him in high esteem so much so that they are both disappointed that he is making remarks that betray the reputation he is associated with. If the two governments were as petty or as unforgiving as some people, Harry Kalaba or his counterpart in Uganda would have issued unprintables and called him all sorts of names.
For those of us that love and respect Dr, Mwaanga, our counsel to him ought to be this way: the remarks you made on the Ugandan elections cannot be made by a politician with an international record such as yours. Leave that to political rookies. If small boys like Kellys Kaunda could treasure their former small positions at MISA and understand their “stately statures” on media issues and will die protecting such freedoms, what about a veteran on the global stage such as you?
Wanted In Uganda – The Case For VJ added by on
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The comment is educative with a lot of maturity. Hope VJ will go through it and come back to his senses. Zambians need to know that it is not what we want but who God wants to be our next president
yikes
Kuyamba tiyamba bwino koma tisilaza kuyipa. Very bad. I suggest he is growing old and he wants to please stake holders in our society. He must be select words to speak. if I become a president I will appoint him to always speak for the government. HH will not tolerate such a thing in his government. we love vj, we want VJ, not finishing wrong just to want please someone in opposition…………….. VJ we want you in the country to be celebrated even after your death we need more celebrate your contribution to this country and the world. not you have started just to please opposition, mind u I am the strongest opposition.
For me the only reason VJ is ranting carelessly is because he wants to see HH wins the election. So every time he sees this failing he comes up with imaginary tricks by PF
A world reknown and celebrated diplomat in the name of VJ ( Vernon Johnson) can not sink so low just to please the opposition. VJ, you are an icon to this country in human and in life. A diplomat of all reason. Please VJ humble yourself and be senile for you an authority of self. Do not be carried away by petty opposition politics. I envy your track record and the achievements you have accrued along the way. l say it again please do not sway yourself to the wolves. He who listens is agreat achiever.
but it was gud 4 pf to ask vj to help them. but this time vj is not after money but fairness bane chapwa.
We will award HH a Ballornd’o award for losing elections for the fith tme.AND HE WILL TAKE THE AWARD TO SOTHERN PROVINCE TO THANK THEM FOR THIER SUPPORT.
It is only in Zambia where the Government takes pride in tarnishing its diplomatic relations with other Countries by singing loudly any trivial things said by non government individuals. It is like being a coward. Distancing itself from such sentiments is enough to maintain diplomatic relations. If that person is a Government official, a resignation is followed to show that the government is distancing itself. Why is ours so unprofessional in handling such matters? you may think you are doing the right thing but for sure, you are setting fire on your own house.
What is unprofessional ba professor? The govt distancing itself from such remarks is cowardice? You are a joker myself friend. eishhh!
It’s only in zambia where foolish opposition leader enjoys publishing negatives about their country to the outside world
So what did you want the government to do.Plead for him when he is behaving like a moron.
@timbwi why are you siding with a wrong doer? Levy fired I mbifi over remarks he made about the DRC.
The happening with VJ is a good lesson for all those suffering from verbal diarrhea. The know it all attitude can land you into problems.
Teaching VJ DIPLOMATIC LANGUAGE
“The opposition political parties in Zambia must not accept that presidential ballot papers for August 11 2016 be printed in Dubai. This is because there were challenges in the elections that took place in one of the African countries that recently had elections and had some papers printed by a named company in Dubai”
Govt wants surrender its own citizen to a dictator! Unbelievable.
Let those ruling from outside take care of the situation,after all he is a member of those ruling from outside kkkkkk,mwalakwata amano.
You silly dog. Tribal people likr you are actually worse than mongrels. You prick
I am just watching
Tumfweko blocking me panyo
My comment has been waiting for moderation since yesterday? Just delete it.
Add your comment wat a shame.