Remorseless apology: Analysing a political letter

Why should one say sorry if one does not feel any guilt? The phrase ‘remorseless apology’ comprises terms that seem semantically conflicting in as far as ‘apology’ is regarded as a moral activity. I use the phrase with the contention that sometimes ‘apology’ could be a pretentious activity. Where pretence reigns, sincerity of action is put to question. In most instances, apology as an act uses language as a tool. Through a critical study of the hidden meanings and implications in the language of the political reiteration by the President of Uganda1, to the Chief Justice over the High Court2 siege, I highlight that some ‘political’ apologies are remorseless. In the context of this study, the President uses a ‘political’ apology to minimise the position of the Judiciary and to assert power/precedence over the Judiciary. The objective of this article is to raise awareness to the language used in political or non-political apologies, in order to ascertain whether the apology is genuine or deceptive.