Iraq war could end up on Museveni’s doorsteps

February 4, 2009

OPINIONS & COMMENTARIES

EAR TO THE GROUND Charles Onyango Obbo

Iraq war could end up on Museveni’s doorsteps

http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/Charles_Onyango_Obbo/Iraq_war_could_end_up_on_Museveni_s_doorsteps_79259.shtml

Two weeks ago The Sunday Times (of London) magazine had a striking photograph of Ugandan guards in Iraq. But even more telling was the short text that accompanied it. It reported that while Britain and America are planning on withdrawing their troops from Iraq, “the Ugandans are coming”.

The Ugandans, said The Sunday Times, were ‘desperate’ to be sent to Iraq, and already almost 10,000 of them are working as private security guards in Iraq, risking their lives to guard various American installations. We know this already, but then it gets quite interesting. It describes the war in Iraq as the ‘most privatised’ in history.

Over the last five years, America has dished out contracts worth about $100 billion. More and more of the 230,000 private-sector jobs related to the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, it said, have been outsourced to the Third World, what it called “the military equivalent of installing call centres in India”.

It discussed why American and British contractors moved into Uganda to hire guards for Iraq (we speak English, have surplus veterans from our many wars) but, ultimately they came because Uganda “is cheap”. Since the first lot of guards was sent in 2005, the paper reports, competition has driven wages down from $1,300 a month to around $600 today.

To understand how cheap our lives are, the $6000 compares with the $15,000 a British and American guard could make.
It would take a Ugandan two years to earn what a Brit or American makes in a month. It becomes very ironical: The Uganda government backs Zimbabwe President Robert Zimbabwe in his insane drive to destroy his once prosperous country, and Kampala officials and security officers own the firms that have a monopoly on exporting Ugandan guards to Iraq. However, most of the chaps who train the Ugandan Iraq guards are white instructors from Zimbabwe. Some of them, probably, were officers in the white supremacist army against which Mugabe and his guerrillas fought!

The story of Ugandan Iraq guards, however, is just in the first chapter of its telling. Even at $600 (before the Ugandan firm deducts its njawulo), these guards are already making more than they possibly could at home. Now that the American presence is winding down, by the end of next year, there might be little work for Third World guards in Iraq. If there is, the salaries could be so low, it would no longer be worth it.

When these 10,000 guards return home, then the reckoning will start. Their story might be much like that of the African veterans of World War II. The unintended effect of that war was that when the Africans returned home, they were inspired to join the struggle for independence. Their fear of the colonialist had gone. They had killed the mzungu in war, seen them wail in pain, and flee hot battles, and their allies. They realised that; ‘Hey, these guys are just like us’, and decided that there was nothing special that gave them the right to colonise us.

The Ugandans who are serving in Iraq have seen even a more dramatic humbling of the world’s sole superpower, America. If America can be brought to its knees by a rag tag bunch of dissidents, the UPDF – a comparatively rudimentary and unsophisticated force (its notable bush credentials notwithstanding) – must look very ordinary to them now.

President Yoweri Museveni is a not a fool, one reason he has been able to cling to power as long as he has. He realises that the guards are probably better trained than the average UPDF soldier. And, farther, that having so many people with their skills who are not intimidated by the UPDF returning home and not being within the control of the security services, is dangerous.

Just like the government has done with many LRA former rebels, it will incorporate the guards into the UPDF. That, however, has its risks. Even when they were badly treated, the Uganda guards in Iraq lived better, were paid more and more promptly, than many rank and file UPDF soldiers, some of whom still live in manyattas, and make do with tired sandals for boots. They could spread discontent, and that is hazardous. Also, UPDF cannot possibly absorb 10,000 guards, some of whom might not necessarily have the “correct” political and ethnic profile for the army.

The best option, therefore, would to create a Reserve Foreign Force in which all the former guards are placed, and get a trusted general who is on kateebe, to head it. That will partially solve the problem of control, but it won’t help in ensuring loyalty to the “Museveni way”, as the bulk of the Iraqi guards are unlikely to ever be dyed-in-the-wool NRM cadres.

The private need by the regime to reward insiders by letting them corner the Iraqi guards supply contracts could one day clash with its public need to keep power by monopolising the means and skills of war. Will the Museveni government avoid the fate of the British colonialists after WW II? Only time will tell.

cobbo@nation.co.ke




Comments:


Ivan said at 02/03/2009, 18:20
This man Onyango Obbo is a true political forecaster. Iam certain that all his political predictions will come to pass.
It is true that there will be chaos in Uganda the moment the security guards in Iraq return home. Their return will increase the insecurity levels that already prevail.We will hear of more bank robberies, highway robberies, murders etc. All these crimes committed by the returned Iraqi guards.
I trully don'n know about Museveni's next move because he may not seem to be aware of this doom. Now that Charles Onyango has highlighted this issue, it is going to cause panic to the "ONLY MAN WITH A VISION IN UGANDA".
Cheers to you Charles Onyango Obbo.


Beine, Nuwe said at 02/04/2009, 12:11
Allow me to extend my disappointment and total disapproval of the comments made by Mr. IVAN;
Mr Ivan is saying that when the Ugandans in Iraq return home, Uganda will be Insecure,(iincrease in robberies, murders etc,).
What he should know is many of the Ugandan guards in Iraq are young and some how rich. So they will be bussy investing their "HARD EARNED" money and will not have time for that!
Some will go back to school(since several of them are schools/Intitutions drp-outs).
You guys out there be informed that we Ugandans in Iraq are the most disiplined force the Americans have ever worked with!! So don't be afraid.
And another case, When recruiting the army, they don't force! Only those who are willing and have what it takes are recruited!
So not all IRAQ VETERANS will be forced into the army.
richards said at 02/04/2009, 12:59
Thats very great to see in uganda we men of vision or foretellers like onyango obbo.its true now look for the way foward before the moutains elapse.
braffin said at 02/04/2009, 15:52
IVAN please wake up!!! get to know that p'ple in iraq went to look for greener pasture which is not commom in Uganda, eventhough some individuals were ok with the standards and cost of living this was not favouring everyone in the country,so i want to inform you that what you talked about is aprospect but get to know that p'ple have productive goals to chase,so it's not only as negative as you say or think.thanx 4 yo contribution.
peter said at 02/05/2009, 05:28
Onyango and others who i will call prophets of doom... Lets learn to think positively!
Harriet Babikako said at 02/05/2009, 11:11
All the points above are noted. They all have a point as there is no one size fit all. So as Ugandans, let us come up with some good suggestions for these Guards even as they return home otherwise the burden will fall heavily on all of us.
Let us take responsibility now than later.
Love u Uganda.
Christopher said at 02/05/2009, 12:31
I agree with Charles's ideas regarding the Ugandan Iraqi guards. What makes you think that when they finally return home they will become a problem?
Besides, not all security guards from Iraq are subjected to work in the UPDF. I have many guards of them who have improved their lives because of what they are doing in Iraq. Reduced pay isn�t a surprise and is common everywhere just like if someone else was doing what Charles does, they wouldn�t earn even 50% of what he earns....not because of any other reason but " whom do u know in FDC,MONITOR etc. Highway robberies and similar acts in Uganda are even committed by none soldiers, veterans, guards. FYI, they are more disciplined than the ordinary Ugandan in many ways. I wish they could stay in Iraq and guard whoever they have to guard because if they return None of the Charles's will employ them and even if they were to be employed, they wouldn�t pay them on time. Besides that, whereas there has been war in Iraq, Ugandan guards have benefited quite a lot, just like the war in Northern Ugandan has benefited other and the infighting in our political parties hasn�t stopped any one from getting their pay cheques.
Black Jesus said at 02/05/2009, 20:24
Excellent article, very good writting, analysing and conclusion, i can see u got the job not because of ur surname, mine had me turned away so many times i had to run off...ha ha
We gotta stop the Okusosola
abaho adam said at 02/05/2009, 20:43
Please mr.Ivan first think on what u're going talk about.We din't come to Iraq 2 get skills of making chaos please. We desided to risk our lives so that we can be good in feture, if we don't die in iraq.Now we have sarvived to start our busineses not to start robberies & all stories u're talking about.
opwonya martin said at 02/05/2009, 20:45
haaaahaaa ugandan guards to robs,steals etc? we are better than many in uganda nga you don,t talk about them? waama muzeeyi museveni abantu abo babi nyo and don,t even listen to them b,se they will over throw your elected government we have the endandikwa now in our hand how can we again jump to robberies and so on? those smart talkers should stop immediately or they should be brought to justice. we strongly comdem those so called experts and we demans for apology. martin iraq.
saidi semakula said at 02/06/2009, 07:19
I have always respected your articles but now I'm beginning to have doubts about your analysis. You tend to analyze subjectively. You don't have salt in your content.
Now the Ugandans who never went to Iraq or who feared for that matter, what DO THEY HAVE better than an Iraqi guard? Aren't they even struggling to have lunch or pay for their rent?
Onyango Obbo and Company, you are the kind of people who incite violence and other negative acts. That had not even been thought about anywhere but you have now started it.
That means if these kids come back, you will organize groups to rob and murder people in name of the Iraqis!
Style up guys.
Christopher said at 02/06/2009, 11:20
Ivan , am really sorry that you think like that about our guards in Iraq. Are you jelous of the money they are getting or what they have been able to do with the money they earn? Did your application not go thru or you didnt pass the interview to go to Iraq? Just like Onyango Obbo, you cant see the good these guards have done not only for themselves but also improving the countries economy. Economics is all about utilising the scarce resources to make ends meet. And indeed we must be proud of what they have achieved.They have foregone alot to be what they are today. May the souls of those who died RIP...but am sure they left their families with something to servive on. Am gald some of them were able to read Onyango's article and have aired their voices here.
RONNIE SEWAN said at 02/07/2009, 00:43
some times we educated people dont get discouraged by people like that in the society,dear mzee dont be worried some of these guys wanna drive your govt crazy and make you loose your target but if they thought that OKULEMBEKA will come from heaven let them know that this is what you were talking of,abalenzi wamma tukole ddoola yaffe abateesi balumwa bayuda tuyita nabo thats ssamwa samwa mr presido no wonder its the media, its ok was KAYANJA[wembley] wiping out bad guys who were once in iraq? shame upon you mr obbo get other things to talk about,who told you london times has ever been here to get news ideas so that you can use it as your news item get real, rather think of the guys who are already in town and not been able to get back here,what have these guys done so far then use it to build your news concepts,better get back to other issues your point of reffernce has never been in iraq to get some views from jjambos in iraq talk of CNN but not london times get real man ,,,,,,,guys here keep on your goals and your dreams dont be discouraged bravo to mr presido,
mugarura said at 02/07/2009, 00:49
With due respct ,charles i gree with ,that was your legimate opinoin like any other person ,but to be more assertive you didn't advise our beloved president or the counrty at atlarge want would be the best way forward ,look deeply at how this whole iraq thing is being handled and how it's gonna end .
About ,Ivan the young man was expressing his opinion too ,so ,nobody has got right to curse him ,just agree or disagree with .
Thanks
Watchdog said at 02/07/2009, 01:03
I strongly agree with Ivan and Onyango. Seriously do you think those guys will have enough money when they come? I see there are a lot of under exposed citizens in our country...living cost is expensive out there, 600$ and even 1,300$ is no money... so by the time they return, i do not think they would have much left. Just remember its not like feeding on rolex and Katogo of Kampala that you are used to buying cheaply, and having your cheap internet at some Wandegeya cafe now that is giving you energy to think "postively"... please wake up our nation...we even don't have roads! I guess you also call that positive... travel the world and you will understand what am saying... peace to all

Ben said at 02/07/2009, 05:43
It is so absurd for people like Mr.Obbo who we think is an Intelectual giant but the reasoning is instead a premature one. I think he should know that Ugandans working in Iraq are more disciplined,focused and responsible.

Ben Iraq.
Peter said at 02/07/2009, 05:48
While Mr.Obbo and people of the like are thinking that way,most Ugandans doing security guard in Iraq are more Educated and maybe with better financial stand more than Mr.Obbo.however when he decides to think for them like as if he already knows their future plans,a pitty for him.Peter Iraq.
dennis said at 02/07/2009, 13:51
Instead of minister of labour letting the American increase the money so that the gov't can collect more revenue and fight poverty and he letting Ugandans become more poor
kidde said at 02/07/2009, 23:29
I am a guard, the public should stop taking us so cheap like that. We are people with vision and committed to work for our years to come. Remember if the public sector can't
employ us, we must find outside dishes for our families.
rihard said at 02/08/2009, 10:39
please mr Ivan you don't have a vision for Ugandans. so live us alone and we will continue to support president museveni's kisanja because he allowed us to come to iraq. so don't deceive Ugandans because their mature.