{UAH} I’ll Soon Leave Power, says Museveni

President Museveni has hinted on his imminent retirement, saying all those opposed to his prolonged stay in power should know his reign as president is ending soon.

It's true I will go but why do you want to chase me like a criminal?" charged Museveni.

Didn't I lay my life on the line to liberate this country? Didn't I? Right from the 1970s, I was fighting bad leadership," he added.

Museveni made the remarks at State House Entebbe on Tuesday while meeting a section of NRM youth.

Museveni attended military training in the Frelimo camps in Mozambique under Samora Machel. Other military generals who underwent training by Frelimo are Ivan Koreta and Salim Saleh.

This group would eventually form the nucleus of the NRA guerrilla struggle that saw Museveni capture power in 1986 and has ruled Uganda since then.

Museveni is expected to stand for his last election in 2016 thus ending his reign in 2021.

Critics say Museveni has overstayed in power and failed to build strong institutions to outlive him.

But the president maintains he has transformed the economy, returned peace and stability and set the country on clean path to attain a middle-income status in the next few years.

Just recently, a new group of politicians known as "NRM Poor Youth" started a campaign urging Museveni to retire. Some members would clash with police but they never gave up on mobilising support for their cause.

Museveni decided to meet the group members this week at State House Nakasero where he said he will retire but should be treated with respect.

"It's not wise to insult your leaders especially those who fought for the peace you are enjoying today. Do you want to use state power against you?" warned Museveni.

He said some NRM youth leaders who tried to disorganise the ruling party including the pr0Ama Mbabazi group members, Adam Luzindana and Omodo Omodo had already tested "the wrath of state power at Luzira".

Isa Kato, a member of the NRM Poor Youth said he boldly told Museveni that, "our message to you is distorted. We only want you to retire to help us shape the country."

Museveni, according to Isa, "laughed" before cracking a joke, "you are very stubborn."

The political transition is a hot topic in Uganda as the country ponders on the next leader after Museveni.

It is widely held that Special Forces Commander, Brigadier Muhoozi Kainerugaba will succeed Museveni.

But the president says his successor will go through an election as the country is not a monarchy.

http://chimpreports.com/ill-soon-leave-power-says-museveni/