Politics is officially the best profession in Uganda, as it gives an instant return on investment when you go through, especially at MP level.
We see many people leaving formal employment for political positions.
As you throw in the towel and enter into this new career, remember the wise words by Theodore Roosevelt:
“In life, as in a football game,
the principle to follow is – hit the line hard.”
Politics is a very competitive game. It is about hitting the line hard. There are no short-cuts. Every contestant wants to win. The one who touches more hearts wins than those who touch the mind only.
As a politician, focus on speaking to the heart and stomach, and then the mind. Few people focus on your manifesto. In this covid19 era, it is about survival. Your manifesto must resonate with the soul, heart, and stomach of your electorate and then the mind. No one hungry can internalize your message.
If you know you cannot win the war, do not choose to go into it. Change the game. Vie for a position you have higher chances of winning. Politics require a strategy.
Enter it with a long-term game. Have plan B. Now is the time to plan for a loss. Realistically, do you think you can win at the forthcoming election or you are planning for 2026? In that case, your reason for joining politics this year is to create brand visibility and name recognition among your electorate and come 2026, you will hit the road.
My word for you, as Mr. Strategy:
- Have a long-term game – which highest political office are you aiming at?
- Have a short-term game – to attain your desired highest political office, how do you get there? Which party gives you a higher chance of winning? What are your road signs to show that you are moving in the right direction and that you are on track?
I remain, Mr. Strategy.
Copyright Mustapha B Mugisa, 2020. All rights reserved.
