Museveni right on heir - MPs

By Henry Mukasa

THE opposition and MPs of the ruling NRM party have agreed with President Yoweri Museveni that he does not need to groom an heir. They instead advised him to build institutions and create a conducive environment within the party that would allow strong leaders to emerge.

While hosting the 12 editors from the US media at a dinner at State House, Entebbe on Sunday, Museveni said grooming a successor was undemocratic and was tantamount to hijacking the democratic process of the NRM.

Asked if he would run for a fourth term, Museveni said NRM would decide on the next presidential candidate depending on the tasks ahead.

FDC secretary general Alice Alaso said Museveni’s statement was unfortunate for those who thought he would give an insight into the future, but vindicated those in the opposition who persistently called for building of democratic institutions.

“Since we are not a monarchy, no one should strangle him. It would be myopic. What Museveni needs to do is to let his grip off the country,” Alaso noted.

“We, who advocated for institutions, were proved right. It is wrong for a country to put its hope in individuals. Institutions outlive people,” Alaso added.

On tagging a successor to ability to handle tasks ahead, Alaso said the President was trying to create a justification not to let go of power.

“He is trying to create an impression that without him, Uganda will not move on., but it will.”

UPC secretary general Peter Walubiri urged Ugandans not to be hoodwinked by Museveni’s ‘posturing’.

“It’s empty talk. Nobody expects a president in a democracy to groom a successor. The President wanted to pretend that he had no eye on his succession.”

Henry Banyenzaki (NRM) said he agreed with Museveni because leaders must emerge and not imposed.

The MP said the new generation would search for Museveni’s replacement.

Felix Okot Ogong (NRM) said the President’s statement amounted to nothing because there was no environment for leaders to emerge in NRM. “Nobody can challenge him. Good leaders within the Movement are identified, encircled and paralysed. This provides him an opportunity to rule for life.”

Okot, a former minister, dared Museveni to the party leadership in 2006.

James Kakooza (NRM) stated: “You need a tested leader. When he says a leader must be able to handle tasks ahead, he is among the competent cadres and I don’t see anyone who can compete with him.”

However, Justine Lumumba (NRM) said there was need to groom a successor. “If he doesn’t, I know another leader would emerge, but the party could lose.”