Museveni Must Not Impede Democracy

The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)

14 May 2011

editorial

As Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni begins his new five-year term, following his swearing-in on Thursday, all is not well in his country. While his supporters were celebrating, those of his key opponent in the February elections, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader Kiiza Besigye, were engaging in running battles with the police.

In his long 25-year rule, Mr Museveni has never faced a spirited challenge such as has been witnessed since the elections, in which he was given an overwhelming mandate, but which the opposition has dismissed as fraudulent. All the international observers, including the African Union’s representatives, also returned the verdict that the poll was hardly free and fair.

The political situation has worsened lately, with Dr Besigye and other opposition presidential candidates being on the receiving end of excessive brutality from security forces for leading protests over the rising cost of living. The apparent criminalization of the opposition and the tear-gassing of protesters have eroded President Museveni’s claim to democratic credentials and smeared his legacy. However, he remains defiant that all he is doing is in the interest of Uganda, but which rings rather hollow.

It is, therefore, interesting to note that some reputable political commentators in Dar es Salaam have become highly critical of Mr Museveni, whom they accuse of clinging to power and being an impediment to the democratisation of the East African region. In other words, they assert, Mr Museveni is now a living proof of the oft-quoted statement that “power corrupts, but absolute power corrupts absolutely”.

Ironically, should he complete his new mandate, this once a bitter critic of African politicians who overstayed in power, will have been at the helm for 30 years.

With the East African Community forging closer co-operation, the current ugly developments in Uganda should concern the leaders of the other partner states – Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. It’s inconceivable that they will continue to turn a blind eye to Uganda, as violent protests deteriorate into bloodletting. Unlike the old Organisation of African Unity, the EAC cannot afford to become a cronies’ club, whose leaders trample on the rights of their own people with impunity.

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