In sympathy with President Museveni

What you need to know:

  • Betrayed. It is really sad that President Museveni and this country have been betrayed in this manner.
  • But it has been his own government. He chose it on the recommendations of professions and leaders he believed in and trusted.

Ugandans who are familiar with and have been keenly following the statements and work of President Museveni both before and after 1986 will not fail to be sympathetic or appreciate his career, beliefs and commitments to the governance and welfare of the people, even if he is often let down by other leaders.

Since assuming responsibility of government, President Museveni has been an effective long-time leader. That is why he and his NRM have ruled Uganda uninterrupted for more than three decades. Before 1986, his deeds and records justified the claim that he is a hero or a military general.
In recent months, he has been one of the leaders to cry foul and lament about how he and this country have been let down by security, political, civil, judicial organs and departments of government.

It is not only in investigation, arrests and prosecution of crimes that we have been let him down by those entrusted with responsibility but what is more, the professionals and technicians including medical and engineering staff have betrayed this trust and performed very badly.
It is really sad that President Museveni and this country have been betrayed in this manner. But it has been his own government. He chose it on the recommendations of professions and leaders he believed in and trusted.
It is also true that many Ugandans blame him and his government for the corruption, bribery and heinous public crimes committed, but the President and his subordinates appear to condone or benefit by commission of these crimes.

In many cases, when a suspect is identified to the relevant authority, instead of disciplining him or her, the culprit is immediately transferred and in some cases promoted to a new office or department.
To many Ugandans this implies that it is not a punishment but a warning that it is unfortunate that you were found out, now go elsewhere and continue with your work as usual. In cases where initial action is first taken, the country never knows what transpires afterwards.
What worries Ugandans is that even when the offences are grave or committed with impunity, the supervising and disciplinary body maintains the same calmness and indifference to them. The spirit of forgive and forget is applied indiscriminately.

Since the advent of the NRM administration, failures and fears to investigate employment offences and punish offenders have become the norm which in turn discourages or intimidates those concerned from exposing wrongdoing in the country. This is fuelled by the tendency to shun or resent the few courageous Ugandans and officials who abhor and fight this scourge.
There must be a solution to these problems. There is ample evidence that other security forces should be able to conclude their investigations and charge proper suspects. However, the obstacles we have enumerated are the only reason why we continue to be easily diverted from truth.

Recent press statements have clearly shown how the President is betrayed or let down by senior government officials and NRM cadres who are not really serious or whose main aim is self-interest. The President described some of those officials who have let him down from time to time. It seems none of them reads His Excellency’s lamentations otherwise at least some of them would resign.
However, it seems that the President’s calls for compliance with his aspirations are heard more loudly than all and sundry but hardly ever respected by the culprits who continue to flourish under his protection and mercy.

It is in the rarest cases and occasionally those not expected by the public that his political teeth bite deeply. Until very recently Ugandans believed that the immediate former Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, was not only untouchable but his loyalty to the President, NRM and Uganda were impeachable.
Sadly, we have all been wrong. If what is alleged against Gen Kayihura now and billed as capital offences and betrayal of the Head of State and sovereign Republic of Uganda are true and he is subsequently convicted of all or any of them, as a people we should go back and consider why this country has failed to produce good leaders even for leaders even for a while.