NRM still in control, not at risk of losing support â€" Museveni

Feb 24, 2008

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party is firmly in control and not at a risk of losing support from the populace, President Yoweri Museveni has said.

By Raymond Baguma

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party is firmly in control and not at a risk of losing support from the populace, President Yoweri Museveni has said.

He attributed it to a well-experienced leadership which, he said, is capable of overcoming challenges facing the country. He added that he could not repeat the blunders made by past regimes. “Running the country is like piloting a plane. An experienced pilot will choose the right buttons at the right time to avoid accidents.”

A statement from State House said the President was responding to concerns expressed by some of the Luwero war veterans that the Movement was losing support.

The veterans, currently in a week-long meeting at the Kyankwanzi National Leadership Institute, are giving war testimonies, which will be compiled into a documentary.

Museveni said during the war, he was on his way to Libya at the time Edidian Luttamaguzi, a bush war hero, was murdered by UNLA troops at his home.

He said there was need to clarify that historical fact. Museveni’s remark followed a veteran’s claim that the President had sought refuge in his house at the time Luttamaguzi was killed.

Museveni told the veterans that it was the first time he was recording testimonies because he spent five years fighting in the bush and another 22 years fighting to stabilise parts of Uganda. He said the NRM party has well-established structures that would strengthen and consolidate it. He pointed out that in every NRM district office, there would be two permanent staff to address problems of Movement supporters and forward them to the secretariat, if need arose.

He said the Movement is also addressing the issue of finance by levying contributions from MPs. He reported that he had offered 25% of his monthly salary to the party.

Museveni challenged the veterans to identify qualified youth who can be employed in Government departments and security organs like the police, to eradicate corruption.

While responding to the veterans’ concern that the NRM should maintain good relationships with traditional leaders, Museveni said there was also need for traditional leaders to desist from partisan politics. “My quarrel with Mengo is that I tell them to separate tradition from politics. We can only protect traditional institutions if they are not involved in partisan politics.”

He said there is need to democratise regional governments, adding that regional councils such as the Lukiiko must be elected, to make them accountable to the people.

Museveni urged the veterans to participate in income-generating projects to increases their incomes.

On unemployment which the veterans from Nakaseke attributed to the current disgruntlement among youths who lack jobs, Museveni said this could be overcome through industrialisation.

On behalf of the delegations, the Bundibugyo resident district commissioner, Samuel Kazinga, who also hails from Nakaseke, thanked Museveni for introducing free primary and secondary education and the immunisation for all scheme.

He, however, appealed to the Government to set up an institution to supervise UPE, to ensure teachers perform their duties.

He said because the President had instilled discipline in the UPDF, it had led to its being deployed in Somalia for the peacekeeping mission. He also appealed to the Government to introduce regulations that guide FM stations which attack the Government.

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