{UAH} M7: Father of the Nation?

I am disturbed by what I read in the print media that a member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party official published a book which was recently launched. The book, among other things, calls on parliament to debate his call to declare Gen. Museveni an "Icon" and "Father of the Nation."

This call comes barely two months when the whole world leaders descended on South Africa to bury World Icon, Nelson Mandela who was fondly called Madiba (RIP). South Africans truly call him "Father of the Nation" because despite spending 27 years in jail for fighting injustice in his country, he forgave those who imprisoned him and preached reconciliation when he became president.

In the case of President Museveni, he cannot qualify to be declared father of the nation because here is a leader who have squandered his entire career in politic fighting imaginary and real enemies. He is quoted to have said that 50 of his life is spent fighting.

Although he initially blamed African leaders who overstay in power and promised that NRA/M would rule only for five years and then organize general election after the five years, it now looks likely that he will rule till death with the recent declaration by the NRM parliamentary coccus pronouncement.

I propose that instead of seeking to declared President Museveni "Father of the Nation", he should instead be promoted to the rank of Field Marshall to make him stand above all other generals in the UPDF. After all, the resistance movement, which started as a national movement has been transformed into a regional and Pan Africanist Movement with Museveni in charge. 

This will make him the third Field Marshall from Uganda after John Okello (RIP) and Idi Amin Dada.

John Muto-Ono p'Lajur is a journalist in Gulu.

mutoono@yahoo.com