Not yet time to replace Museveni, says Otafiire
23rd November 2008
LOCAL government minister Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire has said it is not yet time to replace President Yoweri Museveni.
By Ben Okiror
LOCAL government minister Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire has said it is not yet time to replace President Yoweri Museveni.
“Those calling for Museveni’s replacement are mainly from the opposition because they want the NRM to lose in the next elections. If you have a winning football team, you do not change it,†he said.
“I have been in Parliament for the last 23 years because my people think I am still useful. It is the same thing with Museveni; I think he is still useful. And speaking from the selfish point of view, why should I change him if I am not ready to replace him?†Otafiire asked.
He was speaking at a debate organised by the Faculty of Law at Makerere University on Friday.
Reacting to recent media reports that he held a meeting with some ‘NRM historicals’ at Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, to plan the political future of the country, Otafiire stressed that he does not have to go out of the country to meet his friends.
“I do not need permission from anybody to meet with (Amanya) Mushega or (Richard) Kaijuka and it does not have to be outside the country,†he said.
He added that disagreement between him and former colleagues who have left the party does not stop him from meeting them.
Otafiire gave the example of his family members, who comprise Christians, Muslims and pagans but said he has no problem with their religious affiliation. He affirmed his support to the party.
“I was bitten by lice in the bush and was separated from my family at a tender age. I won’t subvert my party but will destroy those who want to destroy it,†he said.
Asked if the NRM had lost integrity, Otafiire replied: “We are not perfect; we have made some temporary and tactful mistakes but not strategic ones to be written off.â€
On whether the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity was able to tackle corruption, Otafiire said corruption is deep-rooted in society because from childhood, people are taught to glorify those who acquire wealth quickly.
He also criticised the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Justice Faith Mwonda, for taking a year to investigate the Naguru-Nakawa estate re-development plan.
“I know a person who went to London since the IGG cancelled the agreement and he has come back with a Masters degree. Is she also doing an academic degree?†he asked.
LOCAL government minister Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire has said it is not yet time to replace President Yoweri Museveni.
“Those calling for Museveni’s replacement are mainly from the opposition because they want the NRM to lose in the next elections. If you have a winning football team, you do not change it,†he said.
“I have been in Parliament for the last 23 years because my people think I am still useful. It is the same thing with Museveni; I think he is still useful. And speaking from the selfish point of view, why should I change him if I am not ready to replace him?†Otafiire asked.
He was speaking at a debate organised by the Faculty of Law at Makerere University on Friday.
Reacting to recent media reports that he held a meeting with some ‘NRM historicals’ at Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, to plan the political future of the country, Otafiire stressed that he does not have to go out of the country to meet his friends.
“I do not need permission from anybody to meet with (Amanya) Mushega or (Richard) Kaijuka and it does not have to be outside the country,†he said.
He added that disagreement between him and former colleagues who have left the party does not stop him from meeting them.
Otafiire gave the example of his family members, who comprise Christians, Muslims and pagans but said he has no problem with their religious affiliation. He affirmed his support to the party.
“I was bitten by lice in the bush and was separated from my family at a tender age. I won’t subvert my party but will destroy those who want to destroy it,†he said.
Asked if the NRM had lost integrity, Otafiire replied: “We are not perfect; we have made some temporary and tactful mistakes but not strategic ones to be written off.â€
On whether the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity was able to tackle corruption, Otafiire said corruption is deep-rooted in society because from childhood, people are taught to glorify those who acquire wealth quickly.
He also criticised the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Justice Faith Mwonda, for taking a year to investigate the Naguru-Nakawa estate re-development plan.
“I know a person who went to London since the IGG cancelled the agreement and he has come back with a Masters degree. Is she also doing an academic degree?†he asked.