Who will succeed Museveni?
Nov 19, 2002
Ugandans have been urged to discuss the issue of President Museveni’s successor. UNDP chief, Mark Malloch Brown, on a recent visit to the country said representatives of foreign donors were keen to know about the future of good governance and smooth suc
By Joshua Kato and Patrick Luganda
Ugandans have been urged to discuss the issue of President Museveni’s successor. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Chief Mark Malloch Brown on a recent visit to the country said representatives of foreign donors were keen to know about the future of good governance and smooth succession after Museveni.
However, there are those who are urging the President to stand for a third term. Professor Mondo Kagonyera, minister without portfolio, recently told Makerere University students that he did not have a problem with people going to the Constitutional Review Commission and handing in their views over this issue.
“I see nothing wrong with people going to the Constitutional Review Commission and asking for an amendment concerning the terms a President should have. Power belongs to the people and they can decide how to use that power,†he said.
Professor Gilbert Bukenya’s name was mentioned for the presidency when he recently visited Kasese District. District leaders, through Loice Bwambale, the district Woman MP, are said to have identified Bukenya as the best choice to succeed Museveni.
“There is a lot of talk as who should be our next president and rumour has it that you could be the one...I confirm to you now that the men and women of Kasese are behind you if you announce your bid to stand,†said Bwambale.
Rev. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, MP for Mukono North constituency, says this is the chance for Buganda to offer a candidate for the Presidency. He adds that there are a number of names floated. Among these are Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, Kisamba Mugerwa and Kiwanuka Ssekandi.
“I would go for Kisamba Mugerwa. He would make a good leader. He has organised the Ministry of Agriculture. Honourable Ssekandi has also performed, earning a lot of respect both from the Movement side and the opposition in Parliament,†he said.
Mrs. Lydia Nakimuli of Makerere University does not mind from which side of the political factions her wished candidate comes, so long as she is a woman: “I have a feeling that women should be given a chance to rule this country. I have my sights on either Wandira Kazibwe or Winnie Byanyima. Both ladies are very articulate and widely travelled,†she said.
Then enters Hon. James Wapakhabulo, minister of foreign affairs: “I definitely think he is good enough for the Presidency. He has been involved in regional and international politics. He is calm and articulate. He is certainly my pick,†says Adam Wassaka, a teacher.
F.D.R. Gureme, a political commentator and senior citizen, has the ideal candidate in mind. He however insists that this candidate cannot come out because of the towering personality of President Museveni.
“In my view, Bidandi Ssali is the ideal presidential candidate. He is politically mature and ethically clear. I do not see anyone as clear-headed as he is. Even in the thick of controversy, he does not loose his head. The problem is that he is overshadowed by President Museveni. Unless Museveni invited him, he is unlikely to offer himself for the job,†said Gureme.
According to Stanley Muwanga, a secondary school teacher, there is the likely scenario of the Movement camp breaking up after failure to choose the best candidate: “They have too many hopefuls. So many names are being pointed out that I don’t think they will be able to choose one and leave the rest happy,†he said.
Muwanga fears a Kenyan style defection to the opposition, or formation of another group by disgruntled members of the Movement. “Only one of them (Kizza Besigye) split off in 2001, but this time three or four will, which will be very bad for the Movement,†he explained.
Asked who he thought was likely to replace Museveni, Nobert Mao, MP Gulu Municipality answered, “I am the most likely successor, since I am also vying for the seat. However, this is a question to be determined by all Ugandans. As far as I am concerned, they want a change,†said Mao. He is not just blowing his own trumpet, because in the course of this survey, five people cited his name.
Politicians opposed to the Movement are floating a number of people to be groomed to occupy the highest office in the land. Michael Mabikke, MP of Makindye East and Secretary General of the Uganda Youth Democrats, says they are in high gear to iron out differences in the Democratic Party camp.
“We have a successor. He is Nasser Sebaggala and we are grooming him for 2006. But there are four other candidates who we are lining up to come in as dangerous substitutes,†said Mabikke. Already, Sebaggala has printed business cards, announcing him as a Presidential candidate for 2006.
The Democratic Party is seriously rebuilding its image. The internal wrangles and squabbles are being mended as witnessed in the breakaway faction led by Francis Bwengye coming back into the mainstream fold headed by Dr. Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere.
Aggrey Awori, MP Samia Bugwe North, and former Presidential candidate, says he is ready to contest again in 2006 but fears that the incumbent is already tilting the playing field in his favour.
“Definitely. I am standing. But we have seen sycophants like Muhwezi and Bukenya orchestrating for a third term for Museveni. It has become part of the chakamchaka courses. Every RDC and cadre is now singing ‘a third term,’ †said Awori.
Among several names that were mentioned for likely candidacy was that of Brigadier Henry Tumukunde.
Analysts say that Tumukunde is level-headed and not entirely unpopular within the army and among the electorate.
When approached to throw in a word about the talk of the possibility of his going for the highest elective office in the land, he said: “I have no comment,†before hanging up.
Winnie Byanyima, MP Mbarara Municipality and wife to Rtd. Colonel Kizza Besigye, former presidential candidate, says that people should stop talking about the succession to Museveni as if he was a king: “This is not a kingdom. We should have an agreed upon program between all parties in government and the opposition to resolve the ongoing wars,†says Byanyima.
Regarding the person she regards as the most competent to replace Museveni: “I have no comment on the next President and leave it for Ugandans to choose the kind of person they need.â€
Of course, Bukenya is from the Movement. But he has not been pointed out alone. Captain (rtd) Paul Kaweesa points to Lt. General Salim Saleh.
However, this is just in case Museveni does not get a third term: “I don’t see any one as charismatic as Museveni, but if he does not get a third term, I think Salim Saleh is my candidate,†he said. Six other people cited his name.
Mr. Saul Kitaka of Makerere University is looking at two men, Saleh being one of them: “Saleh is a populist who can match DP’s Sebaggala pound for pound. He is not only popular in the city, but also in rural areas. He is a hero to many people,†he said. However, to him, Saleh is not a prudent politician.
But he has a replacement: “I think one man who fits all the rounds is Colonel Noble Mayombo. He is articulate, energetic, a proficient soldier and a lawyer. My pick for the movement side is Mayombo,†he said. Turning to the opposition side, he cited Gulu municipality member of Parliament Norbert Mao.
“Mao is my example of a modern opposition politician. He does not criticise government any-how. He is articulate and a good politician. I think he and Mayombo can make an intriguing race to state house,†he said.
The names that have been mentioned promise a very interesting contest. Shall we have the Ss, Saleh and Sebaggala? Both have gone back to school. Both are loved by the population. Saleh, however is a battle hardened-soldier, but Sebaggala has also promised to join the army. That is all it needs.
Then the battle of the Ms, Mayombo and Mao. Both are very articulate and charismatic lawyers.
However, Mayombo is a soldier, while Mao is not.
Or will it be a battle of the women? Kazibwe and Byanyima. Both are scientists, Kazibwe a Doctor and Byanyima an engineer. Both are articulate and can speak their minds.
The contest is building up, even if it is four years early.
Ugandans have been urged to discuss the issue of President Museveni’s successor. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Chief Mark Malloch Brown on a recent visit to the country said representatives of foreign donors were keen to know about the future of good governance and smooth succession after Museveni.
However, there are those who are urging the President to stand for a third term. Professor Mondo Kagonyera, minister without portfolio, recently told Makerere University students that he did not have a problem with people going to the Constitutional Review Commission and handing in their views over this issue.
“I see nothing wrong with people going to the Constitutional Review Commission and asking for an amendment concerning the terms a President should have. Power belongs to the people and they can decide how to use that power,†he said.
Professor Gilbert Bukenya’s name was mentioned for the presidency when he recently visited Kasese District. District leaders, through Loice Bwambale, the district Woman MP, are said to have identified Bukenya as the best choice to succeed Museveni.
“There is a lot of talk as who should be our next president and rumour has it that you could be the one...I confirm to you now that the men and women of Kasese are behind you if you announce your bid to stand,†said Bwambale.
Rev. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, MP for Mukono North constituency, says this is the chance for Buganda to offer a candidate for the Presidency. He adds that there are a number of names floated. Among these are Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, Kisamba Mugerwa and Kiwanuka Ssekandi.
“I would go for Kisamba Mugerwa. He would make a good leader. He has organised the Ministry of Agriculture. Honourable Ssekandi has also performed, earning a lot of respect both from the Movement side and the opposition in Parliament,†he said.
Mrs. Lydia Nakimuli of Makerere University does not mind from which side of the political factions her wished candidate comes, so long as she is a woman: “I have a feeling that women should be given a chance to rule this country. I have my sights on either Wandira Kazibwe or Winnie Byanyima. Both ladies are very articulate and widely travelled,†she said.
Then enters Hon. James Wapakhabulo, minister of foreign affairs: “I definitely think he is good enough for the Presidency. He has been involved in regional and international politics. He is calm and articulate. He is certainly my pick,†says Adam Wassaka, a teacher.
F.D.R. Gureme, a political commentator and senior citizen, has the ideal candidate in mind. He however insists that this candidate cannot come out because of the towering personality of President Museveni.
“In my view, Bidandi Ssali is the ideal presidential candidate. He is politically mature and ethically clear. I do not see anyone as clear-headed as he is. Even in the thick of controversy, he does not loose his head. The problem is that he is overshadowed by President Museveni. Unless Museveni invited him, he is unlikely to offer himself for the job,†said Gureme.
According to Stanley Muwanga, a secondary school teacher, there is the likely scenario of the Movement camp breaking up after failure to choose the best candidate: “They have too many hopefuls. So many names are being pointed out that I don’t think they will be able to choose one and leave the rest happy,†he said.
Muwanga fears a Kenyan style defection to the opposition, or formation of another group by disgruntled members of the Movement. “Only one of them (Kizza Besigye) split off in 2001, but this time three or four will, which will be very bad for the Movement,†he explained.
Asked who he thought was likely to replace Museveni, Nobert Mao, MP Gulu Municipality answered, “I am the most likely successor, since I am also vying for the seat. However, this is a question to be determined by all Ugandans. As far as I am concerned, they want a change,†said Mao. He is not just blowing his own trumpet, because in the course of this survey, five people cited his name.
Politicians opposed to the Movement are floating a number of people to be groomed to occupy the highest office in the land. Michael Mabikke, MP of Makindye East and Secretary General of the Uganda Youth Democrats, says they are in high gear to iron out differences in the Democratic Party camp.
“We have a successor. He is Nasser Sebaggala and we are grooming him for 2006. But there are four other candidates who we are lining up to come in as dangerous substitutes,†said Mabikke. Already, Sebaggala has printed business cards, announcing him as a Presidential candidate for 2006.
The Democratic Party is seriously rebuilding its image. The internal wrangles and squabbles are being mended as witnessed in the breakaway faction led by Francis Bwengye coming back into the mainstream fold headed by Dr. Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere.
Aggrey Awori, MP Samia Bugwe North, and former Presidential candidate, says he is ready to contest again in 2006 but fears that the incumbent is already tilting the playing field in his favour.
“Definitely. I am standing. But we have seen sycophants like Muhwezi and Bukenya orchestrating for a third term for Museveni. It has become part of the chakamchaka courses. Every RDC and cadre is now singing ‘a third term,’ †said Awori.
Among several names that were mentioned for likely candidacy was that of Brigadier Henry Tumukunde.
Analysts say that Tumukunde is level-headed and not entirely unpopular within the army and among the electorate.
When approached to throw in a word about the talk of the possibility of his going for the highest elective office in the land, he said: “I have no comment,†before hanging up.
Winnie Byanyima, MP Mbarara Municipality and wife to Rtd. Colonel Kizza Besigye, former presidential candidate, says that people should stop talking about the succession to Museveni as if he was a king: “This is not a kingdom. We should have an agreed upon program between all parties in government and the opposition to resolve the ongoing wars,†says Byanyima.
Regarding the person she regards as the most competent to replace Museveni: “I have no comment on the next President and leave it for Ugandans to choose the kind of person they need.â€
Of course, Bukenya is from the Movement. But he has not been pointed out alone. Captain (rtd) Paul Kaweesa points to Lt. General Salim Saleh.
However, this is just in case Museveni does not get a third term: “I don’t see any one as charismatic as Museveni, but if he does not get a third term, I think Salim Saleh is my candidate,†he said. Six other people cited his name.
Mr. Saul Kitaka of Makerere University is looking at two men, Saleh being one of them: “Saleh is a populist who can match DP’s Sebaggala pound for pound. He is not only popular in the city, but also in rural areas. He is a hero to many people,†he said. However, to him, Saleh is not a prudent politician.
But he has a replacement: “I think one man who fits all the rounds is Colonel Noble Mayombo. He is articulate, energetic, a proficient soldier and a lawyer. My pick for the movement side is Mayombo,†he said. Turning to the opposition side, he cited Gulu municipality member of Parliament Norbert Mao.
“Mao is my example of a modern opposition politician. He does not criticise government any-how. He is articulate and a good politician. I think he and Mayombo can make an intriguing race to state house,†he said.
The names that have been mentioned promise a very interesting contest. Shall we have the Ss, Saleh and Sebaggala? Both have gone back to school. Both are loved by the population. Saleh, however is a battle hardened-soldier, but Sebaggala has also promised to join the army. That is all it needs.
Then the battle of the Ms, Mayombo and Mao. Both are very articulate and charismatic lawyers.
However, Mayombo is a soldier, while Mao is not.
Or will it be a battle of the women? Kazibwe and Byanyima. Both are scientists, Kazibwe a Doctor and Byanyima an engineer. Both are articulate and can speak their minds.
The contest is building up, even if it is four years early.