{UAH} Museveni too tired to lead Uganda

Museveni too tired to lead Uganda

Written by SHEILA KAWAMARA MISHAMBI

Last Updated: 05 August 2015

I am counting down to 2016, when we shall witness a "Political Tsunami" in Uganda.

In the past five decades, I have not seen any semblance of democracy, but 2016 could be a year when a new brand of leaders, possibly younger ones, could take charge of our country.

I am optimistic that younger people, possibly in their 30s, 40s and early 50s, will join the struggle to challenge the old guards. I applaud those that have braved tear gas and challenged the status quo, stuck with the opposition, endured being beaten and imprisoned for their conscience.

Some Ugandans plunge their heads in the sand, like the proverbial ostrich, not because they believe in the NRMO political ideology but for economic survival. Others think it is better to play it safe than unravel the fury of the indomitable lion. By nature, I prefer action and a raise of my adrenaline.

That way, my brain is kept alert and I am able to mingle with people of all classes, different political leanings and, at the end of the day, have a hearty laugh with likeminded people.

For the past three years, I have had the greatest time of my life, with people that give each other big hugs and share hearty laughter; hence forming The Democratic Alliance (TDA), with a mandate to take power in 2016 from the ruling party that has monopolized the State House for over 30 years.

TDA is committed to establishing a transitional government for five years and thereafter have the different member political parties compete against one another for state power.

This group is giving me hope for change. Unlike in the past when the opposition merged on the eve of elections, they have this time worked together for over three years. It has been long deliberations and trust-building efforts that have culminated into bringing Uganda's different colours to the same table.

The young and old, experienced and upcoming politicians, those that have tasted power and those aspiring to get it, are all in the same pot, each bringing different expertise into the group. There is no shouting, intimidation or bribery; everything is done in good faith and God is amidst the group.

The recent launch of TDA and its minimum agenda was calm, peaceful, without any security hassles, no mean-looking policemen or tear gas. I was overwhelmed with joy, listening to local artistes, welcoming the past and present Ugandan leaders to the event.

I could not help to think what it could look like on the other side, where change is forbidden. I did not have to wait for long though, since a day after TDA's launch, President Yoweri Museveni finally declared he would contest as party chairman and the sole presidential candidate in 2016. The NRMO's well-crafted regulations made it sacrilegious to contest against the 'big man'.

In this age and era, one needs guts to cling to power for over 30 years. President Museveni is not growing younger; and with age, so many other deficiencies come along.

This time round, Museveni was not begged by Ugandans to contest but by "the historical command which comprises retired NRA soldiers and NRM cadres", long forgotten on Uganda's political scene.

At best, these people are mentioned as elders at funerals or during clan meetings. As a means of showing off his aged comrades, Museveni paraded them as he picked the nomination papers. They included Hon Janat Mukwaya, Eunice Nambuya, Maj Tom Butime, Dr Eric Adriko, Joan Kategaya, Teddy Wamusi, Magode Ikuya, Ambassador Gabriel Kangwagye, Kintu Musoke, Maumbe Mukhwana, and Kabandwa Kiggundu.

This team, Museveni said, sat with him at State House and told him that he was the leader that Uganda needed. In his own words Museveni said: "I invited them and asked them, what do we do now? And their view was that I should come and pick these forms and present myself to the party and to the country. That's why I am here."

"These believe in the leadership of a man that has enabled the NRM and its precursors to overcome several challenges, reinforced by the sea of young people in their 60s, 50s, 40s, 30s 20s and teens, who has succeed in the past, is successful now and will succeeded in the future. That man according to the opinion of the historical is Gen (Retired) of the Resistance Army, Yoweri Museveni."

He said the new team (read very old) had the capacity to reinvigorate the party from the grassroots to ensure that the NRM remains strong. Really, does Mr Museveni really believe this?

Why bring all these retired old men and women? Do they think that after 30 years of the bush struggle, in the 1980s, they can still offer Uganda a better political deal?"
The answer is no!!!

Mr Museveni, the retired general, is very tired and overdue for political retirement. I appeal to all Ugandans to offer him a decent package and let him retire peacefully.

The author is a deputy spokesperson of The Democratic Alliance (TDA).

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