{UAH} NYTimes: Instead of Democracy, Uganda Moves Toward Dictatorship Light
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9:15 AM |
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Analysts call Uganda "dictatorship light." Mr. Museveni, a university-educated rebel who seized power in 1986, is still genuinely popular but at the same time repressive, acting as if his perch were shaky.
At the same time, Uganda feels much freer than, say, Ethiopia or Rwanda, two countries with impressive development whose opposition has been effectively neutralized.
Ugandans love talking about politics, and many openly criticize their leader, which in Rwanda or Ethiopia would be a very dangerous no-no.
Mr. Museveni is known as a deft manager.
"This is what none of us can ever understand," said one Western diplomat with years of Uganda experience, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "Museveni steals when he doesn't need to."
"This is what I worry about," said Professor Kabumba, who spoke from behind his desk in a dimly lit office in central Kampala. "Just beneath the facade of democracy is a real military government. The chance of a peaceful transition of power is slim to zero."
But then he laughed.
"You see people walking around freely," he said. "I can sit here and say these things. That's the genius of it all. It's like that movie — what's it called? — 'The Truman Show.' At what point will people know this is like a TV show, that it's all being managed?"
At the end of the campaign rally in Kalungu, Mr. Museveni's convoy left as quickly as it had materialized, zooming away in a cloud of noise and dust.
"I think the Old Man should be in power until he dies," said Paul Ssebbowa, a farmer, as he began his long walk home.
His parting words: "There's no one else."
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/18/world/africa/uganda-firmly-under-one-mans-rule-dusts-off-trappings-of-an-election.html?
Sincerely,
Brian M. Kwesiga
--
Disclaimer:Everyone posting to this Forum bears the sole responsibility for any legal consequences of his or her postings, and hence statements and facts must be presented responsibly. Your continued membership signifies that you agree to this disclaimer and pledge to abide by our Rules and Guidelines.To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: ugandans-at-heart+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
At the same time, Uganda feels much freer than, say, Ethiopia or Rwanda, two countries with impressive development whose opposition has been effectively neutralized.
Ugandans love talking about politics, and many openly criticize their leader, which in Rwanda or Ethiopia would be a very dangerous no-no.
Mr. Museveni is known as a deft manager.
"This is what none of us can ever understand," said one Western diplomat with years of Uganda experience, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "Museveni steals when he doesn't need to."
"This is what I worry about," said Professor Kabumba, who spoke from behind his desk in a dimly lit office in central Kampala. "Just beneath the facade of democracy is a real military government. The chance of a peaceful transition of power is slim to zero."
But then he laughed.
"You see people walking around freely," he said. "I can sit here and say these things. That's the genius of it all. It's like that movie — what's it called? — 'The Truman Show.' At what point will people know this is like a TV show, that it's all being managed?"
At the end of the campaign rally in Kalungu, Mr. Museveni's convoy left as quickly as it had materialized, zooming away in a cloud of noise and dust.
"I think the Old Man should be in power until he dies," said Paul Ssebbowa, a farmer, as he began his long walk home.
His parting words: "There's no one else."
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/18/world/africa/uganda-firmly-under-one-mans-rule-dusts-off-trappings-of-an-election.html?
Sincerely,
Brian M. Kwesiga
--
Disclaimer:Everyone posting to this Forum bears the sole responsibility for any legal consequences of his or her postings, and hence statements and facts must be presented responsibly. Your continued membership signifies that you agree to this disclaimer and pledge to abide by our Rules and Guidelines.To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: ugandans-at-heart+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
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