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.

Now that the President has come boldly to tell what is up his sleeves, 2005 will be the litmus test.
First, will be in Parliament where the Constitution must be amended to un-zip Museveni to freedom to stand in 2006.
With many an MP willing to take some Shs 5 million to do some mobilisation - this is a finished article.

Then, the President has been campaigning through his aides like Fox Odoi, Ofwono Opondo, Moses Byaruhanga and Hussein Kashillingi who have been reading the gospel according to Saint Museveni.

Fox Odoi brought one of the most brilliant and yet revealing pieces of their work up in a recent interview with a journalist, Charles Mwangushya Mpagi.
Odoi said that the President is not irresponsible and will not go home to graze his cows, though this is a noble occupation when there is need for him to serve the country.

In Odoi's words, the President will stand in 2006, so those who don't want him shouldn't crave to stop him from standing again but should vote him out! What an uphill task.

But it's not enough for President Museveni to work and keep quiet.
He should come out and tell us - ‘I want a third term’.
However, with the fear of donor pressure and keeping in mind that Museveni always wants to push for his motives through the Movement systems - I don't see him coming out to do this.

But with former comrades at arms to dethrone him - it would rather be wise for Museveni to come out boldly and clearly for the population to understand him.
Next year 2005 is the moment of truth for Gen. Museveni.