Gen. Muhoozi’s ‘solomonic’ rise: The power of destiny

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OPINION

By Patrick Katagata

Especially because of the Nile River — about biblical Moses’ life and quest for the Israelites’ freedom from Egyptian slavery, Uganda did not only play a significant part in the salvation history of Israel, but also, in many respects, the two nations share profound political history and evolution semblance. Sadly, rather than view Uganda’s precolonial, colonial and post-independence political history from the heart and mind of God, many political actors are lost in sentimentalism, selfish schemes, and speculation. From biblical times, nations have had specific challenges tied to times and seasons.

To such as these, God always raises leaders solely for the purpose of solving them, later bequeathing authority to others to similarly handle emerging, persistent or prevalent challenges! If one has keenly reflected on Uganda’s political history, they may agree that, even the post-independence transitional disruptions, although fairly destructive, were functionally necessary for political reorganisation and nation-building!

Our destiny — whether politics and governance, military, business, spiritual stewardship, etc., predates our own existence. It’s God’s Word, Will and Promise for our lives.

Before God created us, He predestined us for distinct roles, which only we could best serve — and, uniquely, fashioned us for them! Scripture, in: Jeremiah 1:5, 29:11; Isaiah 60:1ff; Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 2:10, etc., clearly depicts our reason for existence — ‘raison d’être’, with definite realisation timelines — for humanity’s service, self-fulfilment, and God’s glorification. Nonetheless, being of divine origin — and predestined, it’s seldom obvious to humans — including some bearers. But because God watches His Word to fulfil it, even from unclear and despised backgrounds, He, continually, orchestrates experiences and positions destiny helpers that ultimately fulfil His purpose.

Suffice it to render the biblical king David’s example. Almost everybody — including his father, Jesse — doubted David’s greatness potential! When God sent Samuel to his house to anoint one of his sons, King Jesse paraded all his other seven sons, but David (whom they had relegated to tending the sheep in the wilderness — 1Samuel 16:1-12).

When David took food for his brothers on the battlefield, Eliab, his oldest brother, profusely scorned him — (v.28 [b]): “Why did you come here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? ...” Little did Eliab know that David would soon finish off Goliath, the Philistine who had tormented them for 40 days. Why was David scornfully treated? Proper to Psalm 51:5 — and more in the Talmud (Shabbat 55[b]). David’s conception possibly accrued from an illegitimate union between his mother, Nitzevet bat Adael and father, Yishai (Jesse). So, customarily, it could have been step-sibling hatred!

Concerning Solomon, King David’s heir, it is, again, a discreditable background. Solomon was sired from Bathsheba, wife to Uriah, the Hittite soldier in King David’s army, slain in war on his orders to cover up his adulterous guilt — 2Samuel 11:1-26;12:15 24! Why would God let a son from such a background become king over the Holy Land — Israel? God doesn’t judge as man does. As aforementioned, didn’t He reject Jesse’s ‘present and ready’ seven sons — David’s elder brothers, serving in King Saul’s army — and seek the youngest from out of the monstrous jungles, to anoint him king?

Similarly, as King David neared the end of his forty-year reign, Absalom, one of his sons, openly sought to succeed his father. His schemes, lacking his father’s blessing, ultimately became self-destructive! Some people — including close relatives- often position themselves as ‘worthy successors’ to retiring leaders, but all authority, according to Romans 13:1, comes from God; and the outgoing leader’s blessing, too, may count!

From biblical times to modern times, great leaders were raised either from direct heirloom or mentorship: Moses — mentored by Pharaoh; Joseph — son of Jacob mentored by Potiphar; prophet Samuel mentored by Eli; David mentored by king Saul; Solomon sired by — and mentored by king David; Jesus Christ begotten of God — nurtured by Joseph — Mary’s husband; Nelson Mandela nurtured by Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo; the list is long! Like biblical king Solomon, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, sired and mentored by an astute army general-cum-politician — Gen. Yoweri Museveni. Museveni has an enviable politico-military filial trade name and should have his work easy.

Like with David and Solomon, there might be some unfinished business for Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba from his father’s reign, but if he seeks divine wisdom, he should accomplish them admirably! Hasn’t he already unflinchingly tackled corruption? There’s, certainly, more up his sleeves — and he’s got my back. Don’t forget that Gen. Museveni, like King David, too, had his ‘kingship’ prowess first doubted by some folks who deemed themselves worthier. But 40 years — still counting, without considering previous struggles, is no mean feat!

Vox populi, Vox Dei — Latin maxim denoting: ‘The Voice of People is the Voice of God!’ Some naysayers notwithstanding, from far and wide, people — young and old, have spoken: “Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba is our hope.” I hear the trumpet sound of victory and see the crown prince’s head wet with anointing oil! Interestingly, King Solomon and Gen. MK generally share physical countenance: Eyes, thick hair and ruddy complexion.

Ndugu MK, remember me in your kingdom! For God and my Country!

The writer is the Former MP Aspirant for Buhweju County patkatagata@gmail.com Tel: 0704926325