By Alfred Wasike and Okello Jabweli

President Yoweri Museveni has warned the agitators of a “Museveni succession debate now” against diverting Ugandans from issues like industrialisation, education, health, jobs and a broader tax base, among others.

Addressing the nation on the 17th NRM Anniversary celebrations at Kololo Airstrip, Museveni, repeatedly said, “We shall not allow those detractors to divert us from real issues.”

The president told a crowd that braved the midday downpour, “I assure you that there will be no problem in 2006 like they are trying to inflame our people. We have already sorted that out constitutionally. Obote and Amin never allowed us to vote. The Movement enfranchised Ugandans. We must respect the law.”

He said the agitators should not sound the drums of war. “Power can be transferred in peace. Peace is best appreciated when it is lost. But I must warn those detractors again that 2003 will be a year of peace. I must also tell them that the UPDF now has more funds.”

He said in the past they (army) fought with bare hands. “Even those who are thinking of disturbing us will be crushed.

‘We shall not tolerate anyone who plans to disturb our peace whether from within or without. Real leaders should respect the Constitution,” Museveni, speaking in English, Luganda and Kiswahili, said.

The day’s theme was “Consolidating the Peace.”

The President said he would mobilise the 26 million Ugandans against detractors. He said the economy would have grown by 13% if there were no detractors from Sudan, Congo and within.

“The detractors are using our mushrooming radios and papers to preach that the Movement is oppressive. Would they talk if the Movement was actually oppressive?,” he asked, attracting applause.

He did not spare the Judiciary for “not co-operating with the Movement Government.”

He said, “We still have a headache from the Judiciary. If they want to work with us we shall work with them. But if they don’t, we shall devise other means.”

Museveni said children born in 1986 when the Movement captured power would be eligible voters next year.

“There is a new generation of Ugandans who have grown up in the security and peace of our administration.

He promised more jobs in the Police force, saying “We need 40,000. So we shall create jobs there.”