Ali Balunywa in Kampala, Uganda
I was trying to solicit an appointment for an interview with the New Vision’s editor in chief; ms Els Temmerman in her office when this group of New Vision staffers forced their way in her office. I thought it was serious business and I excused myself to leave. Els could not hear of that, she asked me to stay and witness the New Vision democracy at work.
”This is the high command of the New Vision. We have been allocated the power to try you. You are charged for:
1. Desertion
2. Discarding the duties of editor in chief without informing the high command
You shall serve a short sentence since you have accepted the charge and haven’t wasted the court’s time. Since there are 300 members of the editorial you will buy for each a soda and an accompaniment.”
Els paid Ug shs 180,000 for the soda and 70,000 for the cookies. She therefore parted with the equivalent of 100.00Euro as a fine. The High Command members left the office happily. The whole operation took only 6 minutes!
It can be recalled that Els tendered in her resignation last year when she felt her editorial powers were being curtailed. She resumed work only a few weeks ago after being promised editorial independence.
The New Vision High Command is a sort of disciplinary committee made up of long serving editorial staff.
Talk about democracy!
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