Our politicians always want to come off as principled even when their actions tell another story. In 2000, President Museveni surprised many when during a public rally in Wakiso he described himself as a chameleon who changes his positions whenever the situation warrants. A wise politician should be like a chameleon to change colour when necessary. When I am at Wakiso I have no problem, I can be like a dove. But when facing my enemies and murderers, I turn into a lion, Museveni said, while campaigning for the retention of the Movement system in the national referendum which was due to be held that year. He added that the reason why leaders like UPCs Dr Apollo Milton Obote lost power twice through coup detats was because they failed to read the situation properly, thereby failing to change accordingly. Indeed, President Museveni has changed his stance on a number of issues. Shortly after coming to power he wrote a book titled, What is Africas problem? in which he castigated leaders that overstay in power. Today, he is a leading proponent of leaders who stay long in power, although he now adds that provided the people still love them! Museveni was also vehemently opposed to the multi-party system of governance, calling it divisive, but is now champion of the system, having relented in 2005. However, what baffles some of his critics today is that Museveniwho 12 years ago believed that a politician should never be static in his viewsis adamant that the NRM has abandoned some of the ideals that took him and 26 others to the bush in 1981.
ekiggundu@observer.ugThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Then & Now:
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