Museveni hanging on as EA federation wobbles

A senior political strategist the President hired recently but preferred anonymity because he is not allowed to disclose his plans, confirmed that the changing winds in East Africa were fanning the renewed attempt to create a momentum to re-elect Museveni in the next race.
Succession battles
“He is catching up, basically I think he is just keeping in touch with the people; he doesn’t want to be seen as someone who only comes when there is an election. We need to talk to people and also capitalise on the split opposition, especially the wrangles between FDC and DP,� this source added.

The President has no credible challengers within his party while contenders who have expressed ambitions have been caught in succession battles like the one between NRM Secretary General Amama Mbabazi and bush war veteran Maj. Gen Kahinda Otafiire.

Presidential Assistant on political affairs Moses Byaruhanga, another key strategist who has served the President in his re-election in the past two races, dismissed what he said was “speculation� about the President’s political future.

He also refused, when engaged, to draw lessons from similar “Luwero� tours that previously shaped the political calendar ahead of the next elections describing the tours as “normal�.

“As far as 2011 is concerned, all political parties will select their candidates,� Byaruhanga insists.

None the less, the President’s strategy is now familiar. During one of the rallies in Luwero, Museveni told residents that historical NRM members must accept and embrace new comers into the party. Observers quickly noted that he was referring to what is now seen as “a purge� of his party of potential rivals.

Corruption-related allegations have tripped historicals Jim Muhwezi, Otafiire and others. More historicals may yet be discredited. Muhwezi and Otafiire say it’s politics not the fight against graft which is behind their mis-fortunes.
However, if Museveni does stay on, his hopes of becoming leader of East Africa are likely to become even more difficult.