Museveni should say ‘I want’

POLITICIANS TO WATCH : 

The President of Uganda, H.E, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is my Christmas pick for your politicians to watch. Mr Museveni must be watched because he will be President beyond 2006!

But this will not come on a silver platter and how he deals with the challenges that come by need be watched.
The first hurdle is of course 2006. What comes thereafter is not a matter to discuss today.
Already, Museveni has fallen out with many of his comrades and lieutenants because of the quest to stay on - to what has been appropriately 'baptised' as the third term battle or the Kisanja in Luganda speak.

The President has not before spoken straight of his desire to serve more [read stay on] but reading the mood of his assistants and close associates, the President is simply interested - no doubt about that.

This (2004) has been a year where Museveni should have been tested with credible comrades like ex-deputy prime minister, Eriya Kategaya, ex-local government minister, Jaberi Bidandi Ssali and ex-privatisation minister Mathew Rukikaire among others coming out to say a big no to the President's moves.

This is not to mention the President's former trusted lieutenants, Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, David Pulkol, Augustine Ruzindana, to mention but a few who are joined by hitherto Museveni crusaders, Miria Matembe, Wafula Oguttu, Salaamu Musumba, Capt. Charles Byaruhanga, Capt. Guma Gumisiriza and Maj. John Kazoora.

Of course, the above group is co-joined to the 2001 dissenters headed by Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye of the South African exile fame. Of course we cannot forget the Ugandans in the diaspora, the likes of Dr. Muniini Mulera who think the President should retire now and more so - honorably.

When you read the above list, it readily occurs that Museveni is living dangerously - politically so to speak.
But the President is unmoved. In fact the last we heard of him, when he officiated at a Movement conference in Ntungamo last week, he warned the very above - most especially former ministers that he would fight back and target to finish them if they didn't stop criticising him.