Edible Oil Scam: A Kenyan Political Drama Echoing the Demise of Uganda's Munnansi Magazine

 At #TheBalcony with Christopher Kisekka

The intricate dance between Kenyan politicians and media houses, exemplified by the recent incident involving trade minister Moses Kuria and a prominent media outlet- NMG, has provided an engrossing spectacle.

What truly fascinated me was the subsequent response of the media houses and press associations, as they stood united in a remarkable display of solidarity, forming an "all for one" alliance. This collective action not only captured my attention but also revealed a narrative that is profoundly enlightening and stimulating to contemplate.

To briefly recount the events, NMG boldly published a story exposing the politician's involvement in a scandalous Edible oil deal that had detrimentally affected the country. Cornered with indisputable evidence, Kuria attempted to salvage his reputation by launching a scathing attack on the integrity of the reporters, resorting to unsavory tactics. Furthermore, as a final blow, he issued a statement declaring that the media house would be deprived of government advertisements.

Upon immersing myself in this account, it evoked a vivid recollection of a historical incident in Uganda during 1990s. While I did not personally witness the events of that era due to my age, the annals of history hold invaluable lessons and revelations. If you are acquainted with Joseph Odindo's recent publication, "Hounded: African Journalists in Exile," which was released as recently as 2021, the name Kiwanuka Lawrence Nsereko might ring a bell.

Interestingly enough, the parallels between Kenya and Uganda become even more striking when we delve into the narrative of Kiwanuka and the unfortunate demise of Munansi Magazine and The Citzen Newspaper; both publication from the same media house had gained immense popularity in Uganda. Both incidents reflect a familiar pattern, where courageous journalists like Kiwanuka and platforms like NMG found themselves at odds with the establishment.

During his heyday, Kiwanuka, and his publications, broke numerous groundbreaking stories that sent shockwaves not only through Uganda but also reverberated across the globe. At the time, Kampala, still basking in the triumph of toppling oppressive regimes led by figures like Obote, had become a beacon of hope.

However, Kiwanuka, in his various accounts to different publications and writers, sheds light on a particularly remarkable story involving the edible oil scam in Uganda. This was the sale of oil donated by USAID and the Dutch Government, which was intended to aid war victims in Luweero.

The intrigue lies in how Lawrence stumbled upon this revelation, highlighting the profound impact a keen journalist's observation can have, even from seemingly insignificant details. It is the power of the journalist's discerning eye, capable of transforming a minuscule lead into a major exposé.

However, when the prime minister of Uganda, was exposed in Munnansi's story, he retaliated swiftly, wielding his administrative authority to issue a notice that denied The Citizen and Munnansi advertisements from government ministries. As time went on, this ban expanded to encompass all parastatals, leaving only three brave private companies willing to risk government harassment by advertising with The Citizen by 1995.

While multiple factors contributed to Munansi Magazine's demise, this ban marked a significant turning point, leading to the eventual demise The Citizen and Munnansi and its last editor in chief; Kiwanuka - went into exile where he lives to date.

The parallels between the oil deal in Uganda and the current situation in Kenya are striking, emphasizing how history tends to repeat itself, echoing similar struggles and challenges faced by journalists and media houses across different countries.

Witnessing media houses and press associations uniting in a formidable "all for one" formation left me contemplating whether a similar display of solidarity could have potentially saved Munnansi Magazine from its untimely demise. This train of thought naturally leads to another question: if faced with a similar situation in Uganda today, would the existing media houses stand together as a unified front, or would some revel in the downfall of their counterparts?

Interestingly, providing a definitive answer to this question proves to be quite challenging. The dynamics of media houses and their interactions in the face of political adversity are complex and multifaceted. However, exploring how media houses navigate and endure political assaults while conducting their journalistic duties is a fascinating subject in its own right.

Surviving political persecution requires a delicate balancing act for media houses. They must strive to maintain their independence, uphold journalistic integrity, and fearlessly hold those in power accountable, all while ensuring their own sustainability. In an environment where political pressures and power dynamics can threaten the very existence of media outlets, the ability to weather storms and emerge stronger requires a combination of strategic resilience, ethical fortitude, and unwavering commitment to the truth.

While it remains uncertain how media houses would respond if faced with a situation akin to Munnansi's demise in present-day Uganda, the importance of fostering a culture of mutual support, collaboration, and collective advocacy among media houses cannot be understated. By standing together, media houses can amplify their impact, enhance their resilience, and cultivate a stronger defense against external forces seeking to stifle press freedom and undermine journalistic endeavors.

-CKW-                                                                                                                                                                  June 24, 2023                                                                                                                                               12;00 EST                                                                                                                                                  Central Uganda