By Matua Job Richard
Most developed Countries had great leaders at one time whose positive contributions set the firm foundation for their development. The USA had Abraham Lincoln, China had Mao Zedong while South Korea had Park Senior et al.
Relatively stable Countries in Africa have had Charismatic Leaders at critical times in their National journeys, whose enormous contributions were directed towards positive sides; the forward thrust of their Countries. Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Nelson Rhonilala Madiba Mandela of South Africa et al.
In the two African Countries, their Citizens appreciated the leaders and relied on them for identification of their next leaders.
In the case of Tanzania, Mwalimu Nyerere recommended Hassan Mwinyi and later told Jakaya Kikwete to wait until his tempers first cool before he can head the Country. Mwalimu Nyerere then recommended Benjamin Mkapa who was succeeded by Jakaya Kikwete and Kikwete was succeeded by the current President John Pombe Magufuli. Tanzania has remained relatively peaceful.
The story of South Africa is similar to that of Tanzania from Nelson Mandela to Thabo Mbeki to Jacob Zuma to President Cyril Rhamapoza with Mandela having a direct hand in the selection of Thabo Mbeki.
In all those Countries cited above, Citizens have not condemned those leaders. Were these leaders Saints or Angels who made no mistakes? If they were humans who made mistakes but their Citizens looked at their major contributions, then Ugandans have reasons to appreciate President Yoweri Museveni Kaguta.
Uganda’s Political journey right from the onset in 1960 to 1962 was very problematic (Read; Political History of Uganda by Karugire page 170).
Uganda spent 24 years in Political Confusions with unnecessary changes of Presidents. Eight Presidents in 24 years with Iddi Amin Dada being the longest-serving president with 8 straight years.
President Museveni played a big role in returning the lost hope of Ugandans and set the Country towards greater heights. Keeping a Country united and stable for 35 years is a milestone and it should not be discredited.
He is the father of the Modern Uganda whose contribution must be appreciated by Ugandans irrespective of differences in political ideologies. To a greater extent, his stay in power has been for the good of the country.
Libya, Somalia, North Sudan are examples of Countries that plunged into devastating troubles due to their failures to appreciate their leaders. Today, Somalia and Libya are in unending civil wars while North Sudan is in the worst Economic crisis grappling with the inflation burden.
Ugandans should accept the history of the years of the lost opportunity and receive President Yoweri Museveni’s long stay as a blessing from the old man in a hat. His leadership has and is for the good of Uganda which has bolstered investment and economic development and growth.
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